Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror, Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Sept. 8, 2005 Verna Mae Ayers Verna Mae Ayers was born Sunday, July 8, 1917, at Butts, Missouri, a daughter of the late Maggie Belle Sites Bouse and John James Bouse. She entered eternal life Saturday, August 27, 2005, at the Cuba Manor, Cuba, Missouri, at the age of 88 years, 1 month and 19 days. On January 15, 1939, at Vichy, Missouri, Verna was united in marriage to Armin F. Ayers. One son James Francis and one daughter Donna Leanne were born to this union. They enjoyed over 55 years together before his death June 26, 1995. In addition to her parents and Armin, she was preceded in death by four brothers, William H. "Bill" Bouse and wife JoAnn, Luther George Bouse, Richard Donald "Dick" Bouse, Robert Ronald "Ron" Bouse and brother-in-law Oren (Buster) Hewkin. Among those who remain to mourn her passing are her devoted daughter, Donna Leanne Creecy and husband Bill of Huzzah, Missouri; her loving son, James F. Ayers of Hope, Arkansas; grandsons Chad Allen Ayers and wife Christy of Hope, Arkansas, James Samuel Bailey of Camden, Arkansas; granddaughters Kimberly Renee Tomlin and husband Robert of Hope, Arkansas and Jennifer Elisabeth Gaston and husband Mike of Camden, Arkansas; great grandsons Cody and Cole Ayers and Keller Tomlin of Hope, Arkansas and Ben Gaston of Camden, Arkansas. Also remaining is her sister, Vera Lee Hewkin of Atlanta, Georgia; four brothers, John James "Chuck" Bouse and Connie of Cuba, Missouri, Jackie Herschel Bouse and wife Julie of Foley, Alabama, Noel Adrain "Pete" Bouse and Sharon, Tommy Wayne "Tom" Bouse and wife Ruby, all of Cuba, Missouri; sisters-in-law Hallie Bouse, Jane Bouse and Joyce Bouse, all of Steelville, Missouri; 25 nieces and nephews; caretaker Patti Winer Cox (niece) of Hope, Arkansas, the staff of Cuba, Manor; other relatives and many friends. Verna Mae (Bouse) Ayers lay in state 6-9 p.m. Monday, August 29, 2005 at the Britton Bros. Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2005, at the First Baptist Church, Steelville, Missouri with Jeff Wilson officiating and Bill Creecy assisting. Musical selections were provided by the Bouse family; Sandra Wilson (niece) of Cuba, Pamela Bouse (niece) of Springfield, Joyce Bouse (sister-in-law) of Steelville, Brad Bouse (nephew) of Cuba and Brock Bouse (nephew) of Bourbon, Missouri. Committal prayers and interment was in Fairview Cemetery, Butts, Missouri. Serving as pallbearers were grandsons Sam Bailey, Chad Ayers and Mike Gaston and nephews Jerry "Nip" Bouse, Jeff Bouse and Tommy Bouse. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Jeffery Lee Aytes Jeffery Lee Aytes of Collinsville, Illinois, formerly of Cuba, Missouri, was born on Sunday, June 1, 1958 in Washington, Missouri to Walter Elwood Aytes and Rosella Bock Aytes. He passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 at the age of 47 years, 2 months and 22 days. Jeff spent his early childhood years in Owensville where he grew up playing with his sister Suzy and his cousins. He was very close to his Grandpa Alva and his Grandma Violet, and he was also close to his Grandma Bock, they always made sure that he got what he wanted. At the age of four we moved to Rolla after Woody completed the Patrol Academy and was assigned to Troop I. There he attended his early school years. Jeff suffered from severe allergies and the fall season was especially hard for him. He used to eat comb honey by the tablespoonful when he came home from school. We would buy it by the dishpan full from our neighbor Mr. Lewis. We found out later that this helped him to build up his allergy resistance to certain pollens. During this time we started camping and going on vacations somewhere each summer. Jeff loved campfires and would spend a lot of time sitting by one. We made certain that each year we could take him and Suzy on a trip for a couple of weeks. For the first few years we camped in a tent, and finally graduated to a camper. We saw a lot during those years, and have a lot of wonderful memories. When Jeff was twelve, we moved to Cuba and made our home on Oak Street. Here, Jeff completed grade and high school. He worked at Voss Service Station for his first job and used all his wages from the summer to buy his horse Rebel and a saddle. He boarded Rebel down the street where Dad and Suzy ended up taking care of his a lot of the time. Jeff got his drivers license and was the chauffer for his sister Suzy, neighbors Susan and Beth Tucker to and from school. What a sight to see them all crammed into the cab of a 63 Ford pickup with a five speed floor shift. Jeff became active in the Order of DeMolay and was one of the first members in Cuba. He was Master Counselor. This led to quite a bit of traveling. He earned the prestigious award of Chevalier from the International Order of DeMolay and the DeMolay Legion of Honor. He joined Eastern Star and served as Worthy Patrol of the Cuba Chapter. He also joined the Cuba Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite Valley of St. Louis. Jeff was an avid history buff, loved reading about history and loved talking and visiting with older adults who could talk about the old days and how things were in the past. He would watch the history channel for hours, and check out every history book at the library. Each morning he would get up early and get the paper, watch the news to see what was happening. He would call home about 6 or 6:30 a.m. to catch up on the news. Jeff moved to St. Louis, and after working for several years as an office manager at a local machine plant, started dealing in buying and selling antiques. This was his wish for many years. He soon became friends with many antique dealers in the St. Louis area, and many that he knew relied on him and trusted him because of his vast knowledge of antiques. One of many special friends was Norma Ates, who owned an antique store on Cherokee Street. Norma had a son and son-in-law on the Highway Patrol. She and Jeff were very good friends, she was like another Mom or Grandma to him. They went to a lot of Estate sales, yard sales and auctions together. He never met a stranger or refused to pass on his knowledge of what some antique was or its value. He had stacks of Antique books and would spend hours looking up items to find out what they were and how much they were worth. Jeff enjoyed playing tournament darts and played on a dart team in St. Louis. He made friends with many of the players, and would never miss a game. He loved flowers. From the tiny on, he would work in the garden, planting flowers, watering, gardening, weeding the flowerbeds. He would come home carrying starts of flowers, shrubs and trees. He made a friend of an elderly neighbor who was in her 80's, she had the most beautiful flower garden. He stopped and talked to her, and would help her weed her garden, she in turn gave him many starts of plants, which he brought home for Dad's flower garden. He spent many hours weeding Dad's flower garden. Jeff was a big Cardinal Fan and watched all their games. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and Aunt Verna Breece. Those who remain to mourn his passing are his parents W. E. "Woody" Aytes and Rosella Bock Aytes of Cuba, Mo.; one sister Karen "Suzy" Moreland and husband Mike; nephews Shannon and Ryan Moreland all of Cuba, Mo.; aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. Memorial services were held at the Cuba United Methodist Church in Cuba, Mo. at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 3, 2005. Interment at Bland Union Cemetery, Bland, Mo. All arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Mo. Kathleen Quann Bick Kathleen Quann Bick of Cuba, Missouri passed away Friday, August 26, 2005 at the age of 54 years. Kathleen was born May 19, 1951 to Loraine (Alewel) Quann and the late Harry W. Quann at Richland, Washington. She grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from Roosevelt High School. On March 12, 1983 Kathleen was united in marriage to Cort Bick at Messiah Lutheran Church in St. Louis. She was employed by Mark Twain Bank as a Senior Vice President until their closing. Kathleen and Cort relocated to the Cuba area several years ago where they owned and operated Franklin Street Food Company. Until her passing, Kathleen was employed part time for the city of Cuba at the Visitor Center. Kathleen was described as a very friendly and outgoing person who never met a stranger. She was a member of the Cuba Arts Council and on the Board of Shelter Pals Animal Shelter. Kathleen was of the Lutheran Faith. She is survived by her husband, Cort Bick of Cuba, Missouri; her mother, Loraine A. (Alewel) Quann of St. Louis, Missouri; three step sons, Clayton Bick of St. James, Missouri, Charles Bick of Richardson, Texas, Andrew Bick of Springfield, Missouri; two sisters, Sharon Turner of Cuba, Missouri and Sherry Lincoln of St. Louis, Missouri; a half brother, Raymond Quann of Bridgeton, New Jersey; five grandchildren, other relatives and many friends. Memorial funeral services were conducted 6 p.m. Thursday, September 1, 2005 from the chapel of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with a gathering of family and friends from 5-6 p.m. Arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan. Zelma Eva Boulch Zelma Eva Boulch (nee Gillam) was born Sunday, December 25, 1927, at Courtois, Missouri, a daughter of the late Preston J. Gillam and Effie A. Gillam (nee Watts). She passed away Sunday, August 28, 2005, at Gibbs Care Center, Steelville, Missouri at the age of 77 years, 8 months and 3 days. On February 19, 1944, at Goodwater, Missouri, Zelma was united in marriage to Bertis "Bert" Glendon Boulch and to this union two daughters were born. Zelma and Bert were blessed with over 48 years together until he preceded her in death on May 5, 1992. In addition to her parents and husband Zelma was preceded in death by four brothers, Reldon Gillam and wife Mildred, Ralph Gillam, Radis Gillam and Lelburn Gillam; and an infant sister Rita Gillam. Zelma was a faithful member of the First Assembly of God Church, Steelville, Missouri and loved her church. She was a loving, gentle, kind hearted person. She was a devoted wife and mother. Among those who remain to mourn her passing are her two loving daughters, Donna and husband Rev. Thomas "Tom" Slovensky of Potosi, Missouri and Rhonda and husband Donald Vaughn of Cuba, Missouri; sister and brother-in-law Cleo and Harlin Scott of Steelville; sister-in-law Eula Ogle of Sullivan, Missouri; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law George and Gladine Dike of Bellview, Missouri, Floyd and MaryLee Black of Glengrove, Maryland, and Edgar and Margaret Draper of Caledonia, Missouri. Three grandchildren, Thomas Jr. and Regina Slovensky, Donald and LaDonna Slovensky, RaDawn and Lou Gloriod; four great grandchildren, Andrew, Cyrus, Seth and Mathias Slovensky; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Zelma Eva Boulch lay in state 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2005 at the Britton Bros. Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Funeral services were held 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2005 in the Britton Chapel with Pastor Jerry Beers officiating. Musical selections were done by Jetty O'Neal and Jerry Beers. Honoring Zelma as pallbearers were grandsons Lou Gloriod, Donald Slovensky, Tom Slovensky Jr., great grandsons Andrew, Cyrus, Seth and Mathias Slovensky. Committal prayers and interment were in the Steelville Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Britton Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri. Fern Evelyn Bryan Fern Evelyn Bryan nee Avery of Fayette, Missouri was born Friday, September 16, 1949 in Steelville, Missouri to Perle Avery and Virginia Harmon Hogan. She departed this life Saturday, August 27, 2005 at the University Health Center in Columbia, Missouri at the age of 55 years, 11 months and 11 days. Fern was married to Jerry Joe Bryan on October 5, 1969 at First Baptist Church, Cherryville, Missouri and to this union two children were born. Fern was employed with Wal-Mart for over 30 years as a claims clerk. Her hobbies were bowling, working in her flower garden, mowing the yard, watching and feeding birds. Fern was also an excellent cook and a die-hard Cardinal fan. When living in Cuba, she was active in the Cuba ball program where her children played ball and she managed the concession stand. She was preceded in death by her step father Harry Hogan who raised her; step sister Shirley Collier and husband Tartan; two infant sisters Penelope and Rose; and infant brother Peter. Those who remain to mourn her passing are her husband Jerry of the home; children Lisa Cooper and husband Roger of Festus, Missouri, Christopher Bryan and fiancé Pamela Ivy of Columbia, Missouri; father Perle Avery of Cuba, Missouri; mother Virginia Hogan of Bourbon, Missouri. Father and mother-in-law Wendell "Salty" Bryan and wife Betty of Steelville, Missouri; brothers Butch Avery and wife Carol of Bourbon, Missouri, Gene Avery and wife Linda of Leasburg, Missouri, Mike Hogan and wife Jeannie of N. Little Rock, Arkansas, Terry Hogan and wife Vicki of Boss, Missouri; sisters Linda Collier of Sullivan, Missouri, Claudia Dildine and husband Mike of St. Clair, Missouri, Dormalee Morrison and husband Lonnie of Cuba, Missouri; brother-in-law Terry Bryan and wife Barbara of St. James, Missouri; one granddaughter Riley Makenna Cooper; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation was Tuesday, August 30, 2005 from 5-8 p.m. at Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Funeral services were Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 11 a.m. at Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Spencer Hutson officiating. "In the Garden" and "Precious Memories" were congregational songs. Burial was at Liberty Cemetery, Steelville, Missouri with pallbearers Damian Bryan, Keith Avery, Eugene Avery, Randy Morrison, Randy Mitchell and Tim Mullen. All arrangements were under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Jessie Ann Cooper Jessie Ann Cooper (nee Franklin) was born Thursday, March 12, 1914, at Farmington, Missouri, a daughter of the late Valla Franklin and Dollie Haines Franklin. She departed this life Saturday, August 27, 2005 at the Stonecrest Healthcare, Viburnum, Missouri, at the age of 91 years, 5 months and 15 days. Jessie was united in marriage to James Willard "Red" Cooper. One son, Donald Franklin Cooper was born to this union. Red and Donald both preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by four brothers, Herbert, James, Charles and Ben Franklin and one sister, Virginia Thomas. Among those who remain to mourn her passing are her daughter-in-law, Madeline (Lefler) Cooper of Viburnum, Missouri; one grandson, James Cooper and Donna of Steelville, Missouri; three step grandchildren, Roger Lefler and Mary of Mt. View, Arkansas, Jim Blair of Fort Scott, Kansas, and Patsy Davis of Viburnum, Missouri; two great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jessie Ann Cooper lay in state 4-8 p.m. with Eastern Star Memorial Services, 7 p.m. Monday, August 29, 2005 at the Britton Bros. Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2005 in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Kevin Farr officiating. Musical selections were provided by pianist Geraldine Sherrill and vocalist Larry Sherrill. Committal prayers and interment were in Copenhagen Cemetery, Farmington, Missouri. Serving as pallbearers were nephews Joe, Troy, Jerry, Ken and niece Diane, great grandson Jeremiah and honorary pallbearer Tommy. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Diane Lynn Miller Diane Lynn Miller of Fenton, Missouri, lost a long battle with breast cancer on Friday, August 19, 2005 at the age of 58 years, 6 months and 15 days. Diane was born February 4, 1947, at San Diego, California, a daughter of Harold Perkins and Kathleen (nee Burress) Perkins. She was raised in San Diego and relocated to St. Louis with her family upon completion of high school. She worked in the St. Louis area including 14 years at Six Flags. Diane married Jim Miller in 1983. Jim and Diane bought Club Springdale in Fenton, Missouri in 1985. Diane owned and operated Jim and Diane's Bar and Grill which later became Springdale Bar and Grill. Diane was known and loved by a multitude of friends, customers and employees at the business and in the community. She particularly enjoyed fishing and sunbathing on ocean beaches. Diane always made time to provide care and assistance to those in need. Diane was proceeded in death by her father, Harold Perkins, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mabel Miller Wallace (nee Mae) and Fristoe Wallace and brother-in-law, Donald Edward "Eddie" Miller. Diane is survived by her loving husband, James Alan "Jim" Miller of Fenton, Missouri; her mother Kathleen Perkins of St. Louis, Missouri; a sister, Carol Skelton of Denver, Colorado and brothers, Garry Perkins and Larry Perkins of St. Louis, Missouri; sister-in-law Catherine "Cathy" Miller of Burnswick, Georgia; nieces; nephews; cousins, other relatives and friends. Diane Lynn Miller (nee Perkins) lay in state 5-9 p.m. Sunday, August 21, 2005 at Kutis South County Chapel, Butler Hill Road, St. Louis, Missouri. Funeral services were held 10 a.m. Monday, August 22, 2005 in the Kutis Chapel. Committal prayers with graveside services were held 1 p.m. Monday, August 22, 2005 at the Steelville Cemetery, Steelville, Missouri, Mike Melton officiating. Local arrangements were entrusted to the care of Britton Bros. Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Vernice Loraine Richardson Vernice Loraine Richardson (nee Price) was born Wednesday, August 19, 1931 at Argyle, Missouri, a daughter of the late Esli Edward Price and Hala Mae (Awalt) Price. She entered eternal rest Monday, August 29, 2005 at the Phelps County Regional Medical Center, Rolla, Missouri at the age of 74 years and 10 days. Friday evening, May 5, 1950 at 8 p.m. at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Callahan of St. Louis, Missouri, Vernice was married to William Edward Richardson, son of George Richardson and Grace Marie (Terry) Richardson. The double ring ceremony was performed by Rev. Eugene F. Ruewiler, pastor of St. Louis Bible Fellowship. Five daughters were born to this union. They enjoyed over 48 years together before his death June 3, 1998. In addition to her parents and husband, Vernice was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Donald Price and William Joseph Price; son-in-law Robbie Gowin and granddaughter Sarah Elizabeth Gowin. She leaves to mourn her death, daughters Colleen Mae (Paul) Taylor of St. Louis, Missouri, Lynn Marie (Rodney) Halbert of Rolla, Missouri, Susann Loraine Roberts of Wamego, Kansas, Helen Louise (Greg) Wheeler of Doolittle, Missouri and Mary Ann Gowin and Benjamin Spencer of Fulton, Missouri. Also remaining are four sisters, Clarinda (Orin) Biggs of Steelville, Missouri, Diane (Norris) Eaton of St. John, Missouri, Deloris (James) Graham of Aurora, Colorado, Tresa Abney of Williamsville, Missouri; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Walter and Carol Richardson of O'Fallon, Missouri and Mildred Cowan of Steelville, Missouri; seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Vernice accepted Christ as her Savior early in life and was a member of Straightway Baptist Church. She was an active member of Martha Mary Chapter #346, OES of Steelville and served in every station of the organization at least once. Her hobbies were family genealogy, counted cross stitch and needlepoint. She will be missed. Vernice Loraine Richardson lay in state 5-9 p.m. with Eastern Star Memorial Service (the five daughters represented the five star points) at 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2005, at the Britton Bros. Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Funeral services were held 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2005 in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Roger Silvey officiating. Musical selections were provided by Donna Silvey. Committal prayers and interment was in Cherry Valley Cemetery, Steelville, Missouri. Serving as pallbearers were Jeff Perkins, Danny Wallis, Eric Wallis, Tony Martin, Pat Smith and Bob Becker. Honorary pallbearers were Jimmy Wallis and Gary Blandford. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Britton Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Steven Edward Riffel Steven Edward Riffel, age 48, passed away July 1, 2005. He was born May 17, 1957 in Portland Oregon to Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Riffel. He attended the Adventist Church School in Bourbon, Missouri for grades one through 10 and graduated from high school at Sunnydale Academy, in Centralia, Missouri in 1976. He took Diesel Mechanic training at Dalton Junior College in Dalton, Georgia. While in training, he won both division and state competitions. He graduated from Dalton Jr. College in 1981. Steve moved to California where he was a diesel mechanic for 25 years. At the time of his death, he was considered, by many of his peers, as the premier diesel mechanic on the west coast. He enjoyed Jeep Rock Climbing and his favorite activity was spending time with his three daughters. Steve is survived by his wife, Sandee Riffel of Upland, California; three daughters Crystina Riffel of Tempe, Arizona, Jennifer and Angela Riffel of Lake Havasu, Arizona; his parents Gordon and Adeline Riffel of Spokane, Washington; three sisters Krista Woodruff, Debbie Shrock and Karen Marshall, all of Spokane and one brother Pastor Fred Riffel of Spangle, Washington. Memorial Services were held at the Hinds Pavilion at the Pomona Fairplex on Thursday, July 7, 2005 at 6 p.m. Interment was private. Todd Memorial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements. Winfred Lindell Thompson Winfred Lindell Thompson was born Friday, July 2, 1943 at Dillard, Missouri, a son of the late Otis and Blanche (nee Turnbough) Thompson. He entered eternal rest Monday, August 29, 2005 at his home in Steelville, Missouri after a long battle with cancer. On October 20, 1972, Lindell was united in marriage to Sharon Callahan. One son Brad and one daughter Stephanie were born to this union. They have been blessed with almost 33 years together. In addition to his parents, Lindell was preceded in death by an infant sister Mary Lou Thompson; father and mother-in-law, Landis and Alva Callahan; sister-in-law Cyrena Thompson; two brothers-in-law Ron Bishop and Don Nickelson. Lindell served in the United States Army from July 1965 to July 1967. He then served for six years in the inactive reserves. Part of his active duty was in Germany. He was honorably discharged March 1, 1973. Those who remain to mourn his passing from this life are his loving wife, Sharon Thompson of their home in Steelville, Missouri; one son, Brad Thompson and wife Neilie of St. Clair, Missouri; one daughter, Stephanie Curtis and husband Eric of Steelville, Missouri; two brothers, Randy Thompson and Ronnie Thompson and wife Paulette, all of Oklahoma; one sister Beverly Bishop of Rolla, Missouri. Four grandchildren, Devon Thompson, Dalton Thompson, Brianna Pendegraft and Deric Curtis; two step grandchildren, Trevor Curtis and Tiffany Curtis; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sam and Lillie Callahan of Cuba, Missouri, Steve Callahan of Viburnum, Missouri, Cathy and Dwayne Brown of Cherryville, Missouri, Patricia Reed of Pacific, Missouri, Anita Nichelson, Sylvia and Raymond Stroup, Sondra and Johnny Veach, Sheila and Dennis Simpson, all of Steelville, Missouri; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Winfred Lindell Thompson lay in state 4-9 p.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at the Britton Bros. Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Funeral services were held 1 p.m. Thursday, September 1, 2005 in the Britton Chapel with Rev. Jerry Beers and Rev. Harrison Brown officiating. Musical selections were provided by Bob and Carol Coleman assisted by Shirley Brown pianist. Committal prayers and interment were in the Steelville Cemetery, Steelville, Missouri. Serving as pallbearers were Sam Callahan, Steve Callahan, Kevin Brown, Jeff Thompson, Michael Garms, Junior Callahan, Toby Lewis and Roger Stroup honorary pallbearer. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Britton Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri. Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. ==================================================================== Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Winnie Brooks ====================================================================