Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of October 21, 2020 Kevin James Ahart Jr. Kevin James Ahart Jr. of St. James, Missouri was born May 16, 1991 in St. Louis, Missouri to Kevin and Robin Clancy Ahart Sr. and passed away Monday, October 12, 2020 at the age of 29 years. Kevin served his country in the United States Army for four years and the Army Reserves for four years. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon. He is survived by his parents, Kevin and Robin Ahart Sr.; brother, Mark Ahart of Rolla, Missouri; sisters, Heather Ahart of St. James, Missouri and JoAnna Holt and husband Scott of St. James, Missouri; grandparents, Faye Ahart of St. James, Missouri, Joan Glenn of St. James, Missouri and Les Clancy and wife Karen of St. James, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri with Mick Thrasher officiating. Pallbearers were Ethan Parker, Pete Henderson, Colton Huddleston, Cody Day, Austin Barber and Scott Holt. Honorary pallbearers were Braxton Ahart, Logan Holt, Trinton Huddleston and David Barnett. Burial was in the Southard Cemetery in St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Dolores Ann Balleydier Dolores Ann Balleydier of Wildwood, Missouri was born August 3, 1948 in St. Louis County, Missouri to Ralph and Deana Weber Steffan and passed away Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the age of 72 years. She married Darryl Balleydier Sr. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ralph Steffan; and sisters, Mary Palmer and Betty Bauer. She is survived by her husband, Darryl Balleydier Sr. of Wildwood, Missouri; sons, Darryl Balleydier Jr. and wife Jennifer of Marthasville, Missouri, Dwayne Balleydier and wife Christy of Ballwin, Missouri and Donald Balleydier of Wildwood, Missouri; daughter, Dawn Green and husband Nick of Newburg, Missouri; brother, Ron Steffan of High Ridge, Missouri; sisters, Vivian Bauer of Wildwood, Missouri and Arlene Storie of St. Charles, Missouri; sister-in-law, Jean Steffan of Wildwood, Missouri; grandchildren, Dustin and wife Kylee, Ashley and husband Clint, Tyler an d wife Mackenzie, Adrianna, Corbin, Dylan and Emmett; three great grandchildren, Emma, Brooke, and Abigail; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wildwood, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wildwood, Missouri with Steve Riordan officiating. Pallbearers were Dustin Green, Clint Terrill, Emmett Balleydier, Tyler Green, Corbin Balleydier, Adrianna Balleydier and Dylan Balleydier. Interment was at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery in Wildwood, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Donald Joe Brand Donald Joe Brand Owensville, Missouri was born January 10, 1940 in Steelville, Missouri to Harold G. and Margorie (Kimberlin) Brand and passed away Friday, October 9, 2020 at the age of 80 years. He married Doris J. Enke on May 17, 1969 at St. John's UCC in Bem, Missouri. He worked as a meat cutter in food service. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and telling stories. Donald was a member of St. John's UCC at the Bem Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Margorie Brand; sister, Fern Christy; brothers, Eugene and James Brand; grandson, Joseph Turner; and granddaughter, Andrea Hinson Stout. He is survived by his wife, Doris; children, Cathy L. Hinson and husband Mike of Owensville, Missouri, Tina L. Thompson of Sullivan, Missouri and Kathy A. Mihm and husband Kurt of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother, Allen Brand and wife Linda of Mehlville, Missouri; sisters, Lydia Renner of St. Louis, Missouri and Doris Walters of Oregon; grandchildren, Christopher Hinson and wife Keri of Owensville, Missouri Jennifer Phillips and husband Eric of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jonathan Nelson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Derek Hoke and wife Kayla of Bourbon, Missouri, Jacob Hoke of Stanton, Missouri, Ashley Sparks of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Amber Sparks of Big Clifty, Kentucky; 21 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; other relatives and friends. No funeral services at this time. Arrangements under the direction of the Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville, Missouri. Lester Jerome Bridges III Lester Jerome Bridges III of St. James, Missouri, formerly of Cherryville, Missouri, was born July 10, 1967 in Arizona to Lester Jerome Bridges III and Thelma Louise (Brooks) Bridges and passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at the age of 53 years. Lester married Glenda England in 1989. He spent most of his life as a laborer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda; parents, Lester and Thelma Bridges; one brother, Carl; and two sisters, Laura and Wanda. He is survived by his son, Lester Bridges IV and wife Jamie of St. James, Missouri; daughter, Pamela Bridges and Kaleb Keeven of Cuba, Missouri; four grandchildren, Wyatt, Waylon, Walker and Ava; one brother, Llyod; three sisters, Loretta, Gail and Dale; other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life will be announced. Cremations arrangements under the direction of Rolla Cremation and Memorial in Rolla, Missouri. Reba Marceline Brumley Reba Marceline (Cassidy) Brumley was born May 31, 1931 to Charles Logan and Augusta Catherine (Parrett) Cassidy and passed away O ctober 14, 2020 at the age of 89 years. She lived almost all of her life in the Steelville-Keysville, Missouri area and was known by so many. She graduated from Steelville High School in the Class of 1948. She never met a stranger, and they would always leave her house with some flowers, garden produce or something she had baked or canned. She lived on the same homestead/ farm for 60+ years and never backed away from all the hard work associated with that. She loved quilting, crafts, gardening, all flowers, being around all animals and she even took on beekeeping for a while. She has cared for so many people in her lifetime always putting others before herself. Family get togethers/reunions and genealogy research were very important to her. She will be remembered for her calm demeanor and her love and concern for others. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Ray Carl Brumley; daughter of 61 years, Sharon Elaine Brumley; parents, Logan and Augusta Cassidy; brother Charles Jerry Cassidy; and sister, Lucy Evelyn (Cassidy) Moss. She is survived by her son, Nelson (Janice) Brumley of Jacksonville, Arkansas; daughter, Coleen ( Bill) Lutter of Melbourne, Florida; grandchildren, Brian (Marianne) Brumley of Huntsville Texas and Andrea (Matt) Nelson of Prattsville, Arkansas; great grandchildren, Daniel and Caleb Nelson of Prattsville, Arkansas and Nathan Brumley of Huntsville, Texas; step great granddaughters, Ashleigh and Caitlyn Stanley of Huntsville, Texas; sister-in-law, Betta Cassidy of Steelville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was from 1-2 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at the Coffee Community Church in Steelville, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. at the Coffee Community Church in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Spencer Hutson officiating. Burial was at the Keysville Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Kathy Mae Courtois Kathy Mae Courtois of St. James, Missouri was born February 5, 1970 in Keokuk, Iowa to Guy Earl and Doris Annetta (Dunning) Spence and passed away Thursday, October 15, 2020 at the age of 50 years. She married Mark Patrick Courtois on October 4, 1997 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Kahoka, Missouri. Kathy was raised in Kahoka, Missouri and graduated from Clark County R-1 High School in 1988. Kathy received her associate's degree from Southeastern Community College in Keokuk, Iowa in 1990. She then continued her education at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1993. In 2002 she received her Master of Science in Education degree from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. Kathy's first teaching position was in 1994-95 at Meadville R-IV. From 1995-2003, she taught at Dent-Phelps R-III in Salem. In the fall of 200, she began teaching at Lucy Wortham James Elementary and was a Preschool teacher at Tiger Cubs Early Childhood Center at her death. Kathy was a member and supporter of PTO, Missouri State Teachers Association, and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her mother, Doris on November 17, 2014; and father-in-law, Richard "Ric" Courtois on November 28, 2014. She is survived by her husband, Mark; children, Seth (Chloe Tortensoni) and Alexis; father, Guy Spence of Kahoka, Missouri; siblings, Kevin Spence and fianceŽ Daniella Jones of Hamilton, Illinois, Karma Hillyer and husband Brian of Kahoka, Kris Spence and wife Karn Erlandson of Portage, Michigan, Kay Sprague and husband Brad of Kahoka and Kraig Spence and wife Marie of Lake Saint Louis, Missouri; mother-in-law, Carolyn Courtois of St. James, Missouri; brothers-in-law, Matt Courtois and Chris Courtois and wife Sheli of St. James, Missouri; nieces and nephews, Tiffany Finch and husband Trevor and their children Madilyn, Cayden and Connor of LaHarpe, Illinois, Bailee Kiger and husband Cory and their children Isaiah, Camden and Knox of Kahoka, Missouri, Shannon Hillyer of Kahoka, Missouri, Helen Spence of Portage, Michigan, Addison Sprague and Brynn Sprague of Kahoka, Missouri, Ryan Courtois of St. James, Missouri, Logan Courtois of Springfield, Missouri and Dryden Courtois of St. James, Missouri; aunt, Darlene Ryals and husband Roger of Unionville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri with a rosary service at 5 p.m. Graveside service was held at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 19, 2020 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in St. James, Missouri with Father Brendan Griffey officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Gene Austin Cresswell Gene Austin Cresswell was born on December 17, 1938 in St. James, Missouri to Austin Lewis and Verna Carolyn York Cresswell and passed away on October 13, 2020 at the age of 81 years, 10 months and 27 days. Gene graduated from Bourbon High School and Central Methodist College. His goal was to become a coach, but he became a salesman working for various businesses, including General Electric and eventually owning Triad's Office City in Rolla, Missouri. Gene was a 42 year member of Salem Avenue Baptist Church. He served as Deacon and taught a couple's class for many years. After illness caused his retirement, he was an active member of the Retirees at Salem Avenue Baptist Church, doing repairs and fellowshipping with other retirees. He was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Verna Cresswell; in-laws, Clarence and Ida Evelyn Taylor Thomas; brother-in-law, Dave Thomas; and sister-in-law, Joan Thomas Scott. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Thomas Cresswell; sons, Mike Cresswell and wife Janna and Doug Cresswell and wife Gwen; grandchildren, Cody Cresswell and fianceŽ Carol Marlow and Cortney Cresswell; step grandchildren, Josh McBride and wife Lacey, and Jared McBride and wife Megan; step great grandchildren, Carter and Cason McBride; sister-in-law, Pat Thomas of Ballwin, Missouri; brothers-in-law, Walter Thomas and wife Sharon of Orlando, Florida and Bill Thomas and wife Kay of Cuba, Missouri; and other relatives and friends. Gene had chosen cremation. Due to the pandemic, there will be no public service. Private graveside service will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. James Ralph Hardin James Ralph Hardin of Sullivan, Missouri was born in Joliet, Illinois on May 30, 1957 to James and Louise (Beck) Hardin and passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at the age of 63 years. He and his family moved to Steelville, Missouri, where he grew up. As a young man, Jimmy went to work at a factory and spent most of his working life working in various factories. Later in his life, he especially enjoyed working at Huzzah Valley Resort. Jimmy married Sandra Jones, on June 26, 1976. They later divorced. On June 26, 2001 Jimmy married Linda Stricklin Later he married Connie Declue on November 23, 2006. Jimmy enjoyed going to yard sales, antiquing, working on old cars and was always available to fix something as needed. He loved to watch and listen to gospel music. He loved his dog, Buddy. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Louise Hardin; two sisters, Robin Warren and Sue McCall; and a brother, Donald Strieler. He is survived by his wife, Connie Hardin of Sullivan, Missouri; six children, Amy Gray and husband Joe of Steelville, Missouri, Scott Hardin and wife Becky of Steelville, Missouri, Ricky Hardin of Leasburg, Missouri, Wesley Hardin of Sullivan, Missouri, Urilla Hardin of Steelville, Missouri and Roman Hardin of Steelville, Missouri; two step children, Amanda Williams and husband Nick of Bourbon, Missouri and Amy Schluter and husband Brady of Sullivan, Missouri; 15 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two brothers, Danny Hardin and wife Susi of Holden, Missouri and Wayne Hardin and wife Barb of Steelville, Missouri; one sister, Tina Schindler and partner Eva Moore of Steelville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri. Funeral services were held at noon on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri with Pastor Jerry Beers officiating. Burial followed in the New Home Cemetery in Steelville, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri. Larry J. Key Larry J. Key of Bourbon, Missouri was born on April 24, 1941 and passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at the age of 79 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Goldie Key; and one sister, Laverne Umbright. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Key of Bourbon, Missouri; four children, Brett Key and wife Laura of Springfield, Missouri, Blake Key and wife Candy of Sullivan, Missouri, Gray Key of Sullivan, Missouri and Bambi Key Hempel husband Jeff of Sullivan, Missouri; eight grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; one sister, Viva Lou Carey of Sullivan, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Cremation arrangements have taken place. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in the near future. Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri. Peggy Jean Owens Roark Moutray Peggy Jean Owens Roark Moutray of St. James, Missouri was born December 5, 1934 in Linn, Missouri to Bill and Oma McDaniel Owens and passed away Sunday, October 11, 2020 at the age of 85 years. She married Sherman L. Roark. He passed away on November 6, 1986. She then married Everett E. Moutray and he passed away on December 20, 2006. Peggy loved to cook and share with all her neighbors in the senior housing. She loved to sew and had made hundreds of bears for her family and friends. She also donated the bears to the police departments to give to children in accidents. Peggy loved to play scrabble and spent many hours doing so with family and friends. She also loved to work PennyPress word search books. As a young girl after high school Peggy attended College of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri. After becoming a wife and mother, Peggy worked at Phelps County Regional Medical Center until retirement. She liked nothing more than having a house full of company and cooking for them all. She had the reputation of being an amazing cook. She always had food on the table and lots of conversation to give. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Sherman Roark and Everett Moutray; infant brother, Verlin Owens; brothers, Richard Owens, Patrick Owens, Roger Taylor and Don Taylor; and sisters, Shirley Hicks and JoAnn Hoy. She is survived by her children, Dale Roark and wife Debby of St. James, Missouri, Diana Whiteside and husband Rick of St James, Missouri, Shannon Roark and wife Melissa of St. James, Missouri and Shanna Declue of St. James, Missouri; 10 grandchildren; nine great- grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at the Flag Springs Church in St. James, Missouri with Brother Gary Bartle and Brother Mick Thrasher officiating. Pallbearers were Garrett Rankin, Dominic Akers, Ryan Fowler, Dallas Akers, Daimon Akers and Brian Hughes Honorary pallbearers were Brandon Whiteside, Nathan Songer, Ryan Roark, Benjy Daniel Garrett Rankin. Interment in the Flag Springs Cemetery in St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Michael Patrick Retkowski Sr. Michael Patrick Retkowski Sr. of Steelville, Missouri was born on Sunday, February 2, 1964 in St. Louis, Missouri to Donald Charles Sr. and Patricia Ann (Corbett) Retkowski and passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at the age of 56 years, 8 months and 9 days. Michael attended McCluer North High School in Florissant, Missouri and then joined the United States Army. He married Darlene L. Volner on August 15, 2001 in Clayton, Missouri. Michael worked many years at LMI in Cuba, Missouri. He loved music. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He was a sports fanatic and rooted for his local teams in Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Sr. and Patricia Retkowski; father-in-law, Kenny Volner; brothers-in-law, Keith Volner and Terry Volner; sister-in-law, Tammy Skiles; and grandson, Leland J. N. Coombs. He is survived by his wife Darlene Retkowski of Steelville, Missouri; children, Michael (Danielle) Retkowski Jr., Matthew Retkowski, Christopher Retkowski, Marlenea Coombs and Bobby (Ashley) Link, all of Steelville, Missouri, Linda (Thomas) Mueller of Defiance, Missouri, Sami (Steve) Holt and Trishia Emrick, all of St. James, Missouri and Nichole (Adam) Gwaltney of Bourbon, Missouri; siblings, Elaine Walker of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Donald Retkowski Jr. of Steelville, Missouri, Dave Retkowski of St. Louis, Missouri and Steve (Linda) Retkowski of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; mother-in-law, Mabel Volner of Steelville, Missouri; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Alvin (Sherryl) White of Farmington, Missouri, Kenneth "George" (friend Ann) Volner Jr. of Salem, Missouri, John Volner and Janet (Glenn) Krieger, both of Hollywood, Florida, Steven Volner of Cherryville, Missouri, Martin Volner of Steelville, Missouri, Chris Volner of Sikeston, Missouri, Teresa Boivin and Kenny Volner, both of Citrus Springs, Florida, David Volner of Bismarck, Missouri and Susanne Medley of Viburnum, Missouri; grandchildren, Sean and Aiden Retkowski of Steelville, Missouri, Quinton Mueller of Defiance, Missouri, Steven, Lance, Ian, Jax, Joab and Tessa Holt, all of St. James, Missouri, Haylee and Ethan Coombs of Steelville, Missouri, Ian Lucas, Emerald Emrick, Alice and Aurora Retkowski ,all of St. James, Missouri, Colton and Cole Chandler of Viburnum, Missouri, Isabel Chandler of Bourbon, Missouri and Baby Jaxton on the way; other relatives and friends. Visitation was from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Funeral service was held at noon on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating and full military honors. The family chose cremation as his final disposition. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Ethel Lucille Hall Ethel Lucille Hall Sample was born on March 29, 1924 to Lucille Henderson and Robert Edward Hall and passed away on October 12, 2020 at the age of 96 years Ethel spent most of her life in Prairie and Lonoke counties in Arkansas, living in Biscoe, Humnoke and Hazen. She married Ellis Roland Sample in 1944 and they were married 61 years before his passing in 2007. Ethel and Ellis moved to Salem, Missouri in 1985 to be near their son James and his family. She was a farmer's wife, a homemaker and also worked at the Remington plant in Lonoke, Arkansas. She loved to fish, hunt and garden. She attended First Baptist Church in Salem, Missouri and loved the Lord. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ellis; parents, Robert and Lucille Hall; step father, Thomas Holyfield; brother, Robert Noel Hall; sisters, Francis Jenkins and Catherine Edge; granddaughter, Karen Derden Carter; and great grandson, Jordan. She is survived by her son, James and wife Joan Sample of Salem, Missouri; daughter, Joyce Taylor of Stuttgart, Arkansas; grand- children, Jill of Joplin, Missouri, James Sample and wife Tua of Salem, Missouri and Chrissy Derden White of Stuttgart, Arkansas; great grandchildren, Madalen of Joplin Missouri, Jalyn and Dean of Salem, Missouri, Tiffany White of Stuttgart, Arkansas and Christopher Miller and wife Beth of Salem, Missouri; great great granddaughter, Linda of Salem, Missouri; other relatives and friends.Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at the Sample-Nevins Cemetery near Salem, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. 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