Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of September 7, 2016 Thomas James Birdsong Thomas James Birdsong was born in Rolla on February 4, 2016 to John Jr. and Caroline (Loughridge) Birdsong and passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at the age of 6 months and 20 days. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Lane Birdsong. He is survived by his parents, John and Caroline Birdsong of St. James, Missouri; grandparents, Billy and Becky Rose of St. James, Missouri, Chris and Rhonda Finch of St. James, Missouri and John Sr. and Alesa Birdsong of Doolittle, Missouri; two brothers, Jayden and Keegan Finch of St. James, Missouri; four sisters, Khloe Light of Rolla, Missouri, Angel and Phoebe Birdsong of Texas and Journey Birdsong of Steelville, Missouri; and other relation. Visitation was held from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the Null & Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the Null & Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Interment followed in the Mount Olive Cemetery in Doolittle, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Null & Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Andrea "Andy" Elizabeth Kronable Carrell Andrea "Andy" Elizabeth Kronable Carrell of St. James, Missouri was born on February 2, 1972 in Fort Polk, Louisiana to Jack and Melba (Wooten) Kronable and passed away Saturday, August 27, 2016. Andrea was not schizophrenic (she had an illness called schizophrenic disorder). Andrea herself was a beautiful child of God. The way we talk about people and their illnesses affects the people themselves. In the case of mental illness there is so much fear, ignorance and hurtful attitudes that the people who suffer from mental illness needlessly suffer further. Our society does not provide the resources that are needed to adequately understand and treat mental illness. In Andrea's case, she had the best medical care available, she always took the cocktail of medicines that she was prescribed and she did her best to be healthy and manage this illness. Andrea was a sweet, wonderful person that loved life, the people around her and Jesus Christ; she was also the only child and certainly the apple of her parents eye. She was a very adventures child who enjoyed shopping with her mom, music, swimming, reading and getting her hair and nails done. Andrea was a member of the Greentree Christian Church in Rolla, Missouri and was baptized there several years ago. She had three cats, Zoe, Sami, and Lacy that brought her great joy. She is survived by her parents, Jack and Melba Kronable; special friend, Jim Webster; her beloved cats; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held on Thursday, September 1, 2016 from 6-8 p.m. at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary. Funeral services were held on Friday, September 2, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Greentree Christian Church in Rolla, Missouri with Pastor Tim Cook officiating. Internment was at the St. James Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Mona Delores Childs Mona Delores Childs (nee Keathley) of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Burleson, Texas, was born on Saturday, July 2, 1932 in Dallas, Texas to Jesse Dalton and Ruby Gladys (Strait) Keathley and passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at the age of 84 years, 1 month and 26 days. Mona married Travis William Childs on December 6, 1951 in Dallas, Texas and to this union three children were born. She was baptized early in life and attended the United Church of God. She helped her husband, Travis, run "T.W. Childs Dental Laboratory" in Fort Worth, Texas for the majority of her married life. She spent much time in active service at her church in Fort Worth, Texas. She enjoyed reading, sewing, and serving. She loved family gatherings. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Ruby Keathley; husband, Travis William Childs; brothers, Jesse Dalton Keathley, Jr., and Clifton Wayne Keathley; and sister-in-law, Nita Childs. She is survived by her children, Carol (Vince) Szymkowiak of St. Louis, Missouri, Retha Lynn (Jerry) Simmons of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Travis "Scott" (Christina) Childs of Arlington, Texas; brother, Ronald David (Judy) Keathley of Texas; sisters-in-law, Jo Keathley of East Texas, Ruby Keathley of Dallas, Texas, and Laverne (George) Epps of Texas; brothers-in-law, Tommy Childs of Texas and John (Marlene) Childs of Texas; grand- children, Amy (Brad) England of Steelville, Missouri, Vincent Travis (Tiffani) Szymkowiak of Anchorage, Alaska, Joy (Jamie) Hollar of Charlotte, North Carolina, Chrystal (Judson) Langston of Fairview, North Carolina and Dusty Childs of Arlington, Texas; great grand- children, Conner England and Emma England both of Steelville, Missouri, Macie Hollar and Hoke Hollar, both of Charlotte, North Carolina, V.J. Szymkowiak, Lacey Szymkowiak and Darlie Szymkowiak, all of Anchorage, Alaska; other relatives and friends. Visitation was at Blessing Funeral Home in Mansfield, Texas on Friday, September 2, 2016 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral service was on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Blessing Funeral Home in Mansfield, Texas with Pastor Vince Szymkowiak officiating. Burial was at the Everman Cemetery in Everman, Texas. Local arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Raymond Howard Michel Raymond Howard Michel of rural Bland, Missouri was born November 17, 1925 to Henry and Rachel (Houseman) Michel and passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at the age of 90 years. On November 30, 1946, Raymond was united in marriage to Patsy McDaniel. Raymond was a WWII veteran. In his younger years, Raymond worked as a sewing machine mechanic for International Shoe Company. He later was employed at the Chrysler Corporation where he worked until his retirement. Raymond was also a farmer for many years. Woodworking was Raymond's passion and he knew no boundaries when it came to working with his hands. Raymond was a member of the Leduc Methodist Church and attended New Hope United Methodist Church in Owensville, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Rachel Michel; two sons, Rodney Michel and Jerry Michel; four brothers, Victor, Elmer, Donald and Johnny Michel; one sister, Arlene Michel; one sister-in-law, Imogene Michel; and one brother-in-law, Chester Koepke. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Patsy; four children, Barbara Stovall and her husband Dwight Jr. (Woody) of Cuba, Missouri, Samuel Michel and his wife Marilyn of Moselle, Missouri, Kevin Michel of Owensville, Missouri and Pam Terrill and her husband Tim of Bland, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Brenda Michel of Canaan, Missouri; one sister, Gladys Koepke of Owensville, Missouri; sister-in-law, Evelyn Michel of Owensville, Missouri; 15 grand- children; 21 great grandchildren with one due in October, 2016; three great great grandchildren with one due any day; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 9-11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at the Sassmann's Chapel in Bland, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at the Sassmann's Chapel in Bland, Missouri. Interment was in the Countryside Memorial Gardens. Arrangements under the direction of Sassmann's Chapel, Bland, Missouri. Janet Lee Oakes Janet Lee Oakes of Steelville, Missouri, formerly of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was born on Friday, December 7, 1956 in East Orange, New Jersey to L. Douglas and Barbara Elizabeth Johnstone Oakes and passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the age of 59 years, 8 months and 20 days. Janet lived most of her life in Green Bay, Wisconsin where she worked for a short time as a housekeeper in a hotel. She liked cats. She also, liked to crochet, hunt, fish and spend time on her computer, especially Facebook. She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Elizabeth Oakes; and sister, Peggy Oakes. She is survived by her son, Douglas (Angela Hawkins) Oakes of Steelville, Missouri; father, L. Douglas Oakes of Richland, Washington; sister, Debbie Mather of Ft. Collins, Colorado; granddaughters, Allison Oakes of Green Bay, Wisconsin and Abigail Hawkins of Steelville, Missouri; grandson, Joey Koebke of Green Bay, Wisconsin and one grandchild expected in March; other relatives and friends. No services were held. Arrangements under the care of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri. Robert Lee "Bob" Paulson Robert Lee "Bob" Paulson of St. James, Missouri, formerly of Cuba, Missouri, was born July 9, 1928 at St. Louis, Missouri to Alpha Marie Smith Morris and passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the age of 88 years. Bob proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from September 20, 1944 till January 11, 1945 and then he served in the United States Army from September 17, 1945 till September 10, 1948 and from February 1, 1949 till June 7, 1952. He earned the World War II Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars and the Presidential Unit Citation. He worked as a rifleman and Marine fireman while in the Army. Bob married Ruth Cocas on October 18, 1952 at St. Louis, Missouri and to this union two sons were born. After the Army, Bob went to work for the railroad. He retired after 30 years of dedicated service as a Terminal Dispatcher. Bob and Ruth moved to Indian Hills Lake in 1977 and after retirement Bob enjoyed fishing, playing poker, Yahtzee, panicle and bingo. Bob loved to cook and his specialty was breakfast. He was a Lifetime member of the VFW. He was preceded in death by his mother, Alpha Marie Smith Morris; one sister, Betty Crimi; sister-in-law, Valerie Cocas Heath; and brother-in-law, Cornell Cocas. He is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Ruth Paulson of Cuba, Missouri; two sons, Ralph Michael and wife Sandy Paulson of St. Louis, Missouri and Robert L. Paulson, Jr. of Cuba, Missouri; brother-in-law, William G. and wife Doris Cocas of St. Louis, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Chapel service was held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri with full military honors. The military honors team served as pallbearers. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Sheila J. Sanders Sheila J. Sanders of Vichy, Missouri was born in Rolla, Missouri on October 31, 1955 to Clarence Jack and Ethel (Chambers) Bailey and passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at the age of 60 years. On December 6, 1980 she married John Sanders. Sheila retired from the Social Security Administration as a claims representative. She was an active member of the First Assembly of God in Rolla. She was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Jack Bailey; one sister, Rebecca Bailey; and one brother, Denny Bailey. She is survived by her husband, John Sanders of Vichy, Missouri; her mother, Ethel Bailey of Rolla, Missouri; three children, Heather Wells of Mound City, Kansas, Terry Wells of St. James, Missouri and Seth Sanders of Belle, Missouri; sister, Sandy Miller and husband Mike of Rolla, Missouri; two brothers, Jack Bailey and wife Ladonna of Monett, Missouri and Mark Bailey of Kansas City, Missouri; two grandchildren, Bailey Wells and Jackson Wells; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, August 26, 2016 at the First Assembly of God in Rolla, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the First Assembly of God in Rolla, Missouri. Interment followed in the Macedonia Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Craig Michael Schmidt Craig Michael Schmidt was born in Sullivan, Missouri to Melissa (Mitchell) Spurgeon and Edwin Schmidt, Jr. on October 18, 1994 and passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2016. Craig could often be found spending time outdoors fishing, hunting and riding four wheelers with his younger siblings. He worked as a masonry laborer and enjoyed taking long rides on his motorcycle. He was skilled at working with his hands and was often heard saying, "I can fix that." Craig had a love for music and taught himself how to play the guitar. Craig attended Sullivan Christian Church and was baptized on November 20, 2015. He will be remembered by family and friends for his wittiness but most profoundly his big smile. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Edwin Schmidt, Sr.; and his girlfriend, Madison Bartle. He is survived by his mother and step-father, Melissa and Ryan Spurgeon of Sullivan, Missouri; father and step-mother, Edwin and Susan Schmidt of Sullivan, Missouri; brother, Mitchell Schmidt; sisters, Kara Schmidt, Kayla and Rylee Spurgeon; grandparents, Carol Mitchell of Sullivan, Missouri Sandrey Cooper of Belle, Missouri, Mike and Linda Spurgeon of Steelville, Missouri, Rene and John Cuneio of Sullivan, Missouri and Carol Banta of Steelville, Missouri; great- grandmothers, Grace Spurgeon of Bland, Missouri and Edith Becker of Steelville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at the Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan, Missouri. Sean Adams, a special family friend, officiated at the funeral services which were conducted at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 from Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan, Missouri. Interment was in the Crow Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, Missouri. Jennie Pauline Smith Jennie Pauline Smith (nee Wood) of Steelville, Missouri was born October 20, 1927 in Viburnum, Missouri to Richard and Anna Henslee Wood and passed away Sunday, August 28, 2016 at the age of 88 years. On May 27, 1944 in Berryman, Missouri she married Emmett Monroe Smith. Jennie was of the Baptist faith. She worked at Brown Shoe Company for several years. Jennie always enjoyed yardwork and gardening and she and her husband would pick polk greens. She spent many hours cooking and crocheting. In her spare time, she also enjoyed word search puzzles and watching Cardinal baseball. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Anna Wood; husband, Emmett Monroe Smith; one son, Rodney "Dale" Smith; four brothers, Herman "Bud" Wood and wife Jenny, Walter Wood and wife Mary, Hyle Wood and wife Alice and Fred Wood; one sister, Rosella Skaggs and husband Claude. She will be sadly missed by her daughter, Kathy "Diane" Stubbert of Steelville, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Linda Smith of O'Fallon, Missouri; four grandchildren, Rodney Smith and wife Tina and Bo Smith, all of O'Fallon, Missouri, Zac Stubbert and fiancˇ Rachel Lea of Steelville, Missouri and Toni Stark and wife Becca Key of Springfield, Missouri; nine great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. until time of service on Friday, September 2, 2016 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 2, 2016 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Pastor Mike Mounce and Rhonda Mounce officiating. Special music of "Go Rest High' and "I'll Fly Away" was played and sung by Pastor Mike and Rhonda Mounce. Other music of "See You Again" and "Save Me a Place" was also played. Memories were shared by grandson, Rodney Smith. Committal prayer and interment were in the Berryman Cemetery. Casket bearers were Zac Stubbert, Toni Stark, Ross Richter, Kent Counts, Allen Wood and Rodney Smith. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri. Linda Geneal Tennyson Linda Geneal Tennyson of Cuba, Missouri was born on March 23, 1948, in Washington to Neal and Gladys (Souders) Jost and passed away on Monday, August 29, 2016 at the age of 68 years, 5 months and 6 days. She enjoyed spending time on her properties farming and working with her Charolais Cattle. She was preceded in death by her parents, Neal and Gladys Jost. Her survivors include her son, James "Jamie" Tennyson and wife Christi of Cottleville, Missouri; two grandchildren, Chase and Cassie Tennyson; special friend, David Dorf of Cuba, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held on Friday, September 2, 2016 at Gottenstoeter Funeral Home in Owensville, Missouri with pastor Christi Tennyson officiating. Burial was in the Countryside Memorial Gardens in Owensville, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville, Missouri. Mary Lou Keen Williams Mary Lou Keen Williams (nee Sansoucie) was born in Blackwell, Missouri on Friday, October 3, 1947 to Jesse Wells and Nellie Ann Leftridge Sansoucie and passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at the age of 68 years, 10 months and 25 days. Mary accepted the Lord early in life and was a member of Second Baptist Church in East Bonne Terre, Missouri. She worked as a counselor in a mental health facility. She loved painting, reading, farming, raising hogs and spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Nellie Sansoucie; brothers, Tony Sansoucie, Lindell Sansoucie and Morris Sansoucie; two sisters, Elizabeth Jane Sansoucie, and Wanda Marie ; and brother-in-law, Wayne Koller. She is survived by her children, Mayor Michael "Tiny" Keen and Melissa Lamberth, both of Steelville, Missouri; brothers, Bert (Lois) Leftridge, Karl Sansoucie, Gary Sansoucie, and Westley Mayberry, all of Bonne Terre, Missouri; sister, Bonnie Koller of Park Hills, Missouri; sister-in-law, Mary Sansoucie of DeSoto, Missouri; grandchildren, Melissa Sue Keen of Viburnum, Missouri, and Braeden Michael Lamberth of Steelville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was from 2-3 p.m. on Sunday, September 4, 2016 at the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri and a memorial service at 3 p.m. with Rev. Alan Miles officiating. The family chose cremation as the final disposition. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Stephanie Kay Williams Stephanie Kay Williams of Cuba, Missouri, formerly of Sullivan, Missouri, was born to Edmond Dale and Zeal Henrietta (Lackmann) Murphy on June 6, 1937 in San Francisco, California and passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at the age of 79 years. Stephanie worked in home health care for many years and was of the Baptist faith. She loved to play the piano, word search puzzles and stuffed animals. She could sing and speak in German. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmond Dale and Zeal Henrietta Murphy. She is survived by her brother, Guy Murphy of Santa Anna, California; residents and staff of Cuba Manor; other relatives and friends. Graveside service was held on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at the Kinder Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri with Lesa Mizell officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. 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