Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO 
Local Obituaries for the Week of December 9, 2020



Velda "Jeanie" Bax

Velda "Jeanie" Bax of St. James, Missouri was born in Carmen, 
Oklahoma on February 14, 1931 to Christian and Edith (Bailey) 
Hoiberg and passed away Friday, December 4, 2020 at the age 
of 89 years.
On March 26, 1966 Jeanie married James Otto Bax. 
Jeanie worked for Dr. Stricker and Dr. Butts as a bookkeeper, 
while also doing the books for her and James's auto repair shop.
She really enjoyed deer hunting and fishing.
James always planted a big vegetable garden and Jeanie spent 
the summer canning and freezing the harvest so they could 
have fresh vegetables to last through the winter.
Spring and summer brought the couple out to yard sales, they 
loved to go and scout out the bargains, paying close attention 
if there were any fishing equipment they could purchase. 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Christian and Edith 
Hoiberg; husband, James Otto Bax; and a brother, William Field.
She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Merrell and husband 
Franklin of Flat, Missouri; other relatives and friends. 
Because of Covid-19 the funeral services were private. 
Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary 
in St. James, Missouri.


Julia "Julie" Ann Burgess

Julia "Julie" Ann Burgess of St James, Missouri was born 
September 24, 1954 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Tommy and Edith 
Bergmann DeGroat and passed away Friday, November 27, 2020, 
at the age of 66 years.
On April 5, 1973, in Dixon, Missouri she was united in 
marriage to Fred J.Burgess. 
Julie's parents lived in Germany during war time. Julie 
spent most of her childhood living in Dixon, Missouri.
Julie worked as a homemaker, worked at DeLuca Bakery in 
St. James, Missouri and at Delano Gas Station in Rolla, 
Missouri. 
Julie loved playing Bingo and other games with her family 
during the holidays. She could be somewhat competitive, 
but more than anything loved to laugh. 
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Fred J. Burgess;
son, Tommy Burgess of Rolla, Missouri; daughter, Jennifer 
Simmons and husband Casey of Devils Elbow, Missouri; one 
brother, Adrian DeGroat; sisters, Beatrice Prewett and 
Barbara Armstrong of St. James, Missouri; three grandsons,
Robert Burgess, Cole Simmons, and Hunter Simmons; nieces, 
Andrea Fox, Renee DeGroat, and April Nicholson; nephews, 
Leaman Crews and Joshua Prewett; great nephew, Michael 
DeGroat; great niece, Kira Watson; other relatives and 
friends.
Celebration of Life was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday 
December 2, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, 
Missouri with Jason Tucker of Landmark Baptist Church of 
Rolla, Missouri officiating.
Services were streamed live on Jones Funeral Home St. James, 
MO Facebook page.
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home 
in St. James, Missouri.


Lester V. Davis

Lester V. Davis was born on November 24, 1925 to Rev. Henry 
Davis and Cordia (Towell) Davis in Rolla, Missouri and 
passed away Friday, November 27, 2020 at the age of 95 years.
On May 4, 1946 he married Bette Ann (Walker) Davis. 
They spent their entire life in the Rolla, Missouri area and 
were very actively involved in church work their entire life. 
He pastored the Vichy Community Church for several years. 
He was one of 12 siblings, seven of whom were pastors.
Lester and Bette owned and operated D&D Carpet cleaning 
business for many years. 
Lester enjoyed attending Southern Gospel sings. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Cordia 
Davis; wife of over 73 year, Bette Ann Davis; six brothers, 
Raymond (Jean), Wilbur (Ferrol), Leonard (Eunice), Wilson 
(Opal), Edmond (Fern), and infant, Henry Davis Jr.; and 
three sisters, Eula (Gene) Gabel, Dorothy (Everett) Daniels 
and Roberta (Floyd) Roberts.
He is survived by a brother, Larry (Roberta) Davis of Rolla,
Missouri; sister, Rosemary (Don) Chambers of St. James, 
Missouri; sisters-in-law, Shiela (Luther) Fryer of Rolla, 
Missouri and Iva Lea Jurgensmeyer of Vichy, Missouri; 
brother-in-law, Duane Walker of Belle, Missouri; other 
relatives and friends.
Graveside service was held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 
December 2, 2020 at the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens 
Cemetery in Rolla, Missouri with the Rev. Larry Davis 
officiating.
Because of Covid-19, those attending were asked to please 
wear facemasks and practice social distancing.
Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son 
Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri.


Ruby Jeanette Hendryx

Ruby Jeanette (nee Woods) Hendryx of Leasburg, Missouri was 
born January 25, 1956 in St. Louis, Missouri to Buddy and 
Bertha Brooks Woods and passed away Thursday, 
December 3, 2020 at the age of 64 years, 10 months and 
9 days.
On April 1, 1987 in Reno, Nevada, Ruby married Thomas G. 
Hendryx.
Ruby served our country honorably in the U.S. Army from 
1978 to 1986.
She was employed as a secretary for an appraisal firm for 
several years. Ruby lived in California for many years and 
moved back to Missouri in 2008. She loved to play Bingo 
and was a Raider's and San Francisco 49'ers football fan. 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Buddy and Bertha 
Woods; two brothers, Buddy Steven Woods and Paul James 
Woods; and one sister, Barbara Jane Comfort.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Thomas Hendryx 
of Leasburg, Missouri; one brother, Robert Lee Woods of 
Oâ'Fallon, Missouri; one sister, Betty Ann Woods of 
Defiance, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
The family chose cremation as the final disposition.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett 
Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.


Homer Eugene "Gene" Hodge

Homer Eugene "Gene" Hodge of Rolla, Missouri was born in 
Vichy Missouri to Charley and Lola (Cook) Hodge on 
February 10, 1931 and passed away Monday, 
November 30, 2020 at the age of 89 years, 9 months and 
20 days.
He married Peggy Scrivner on November 11, 1950. 
On July 14, 1973 he married Judith Eaker Cape. 
In 1975 Gene accepted the Lord as his savior and was 
baptized at the Church of God in Rolla. He loved to sing 
specials in church. He attended the First Assembly of God 
in Rolla, Missouri.
Gene worked for the state of Missouri Department of 
Corrections and retired from there on May 1, 1999. Prior 
to that he sold used cars working with his brother Levi 
and cousin Paul. Gene also worked driving charter buses 
to 49 states and Canada. He owned and operated his own 
used car sales lot in Rolla and St. James, Missouri 
retiring for the second time from that in 2008. After 
retiring Gene and Judith traveled.
Gene would entertain his grandchildren with singing and 
acting out the songs. Songs such as Simon Slick and The 
Old Grey Mare. He always had a "bird" in his pocket for 
the grandchildren and would whistle. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charley and Lola 
Hodge; his parents-in-law, Clifford and Berniece Eaker; 
the mother of his children, Peggy Armstrong; son and 
daughter-in-law, Bobby Gene (Twyla) Hodge; daughter, 
Teresa Hodge Lewis; brother, Levi (Wanda) Hodge; sister, 
Leora (Perry) Metcalf and brothers-in-law, Tom Eaker and 
Gerald Eaker. 
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Judith Hodge of 
the home; children, Steve (Donna) Hodge of San Antonio, 
Texas, Sherrie (Al) Christian of Buffalo, Missouri, Kathy 
(Johnny) Denham of Vacaville, California, Lynn (David) 
Fessler of Yukon, Oklahoma, Marsha (Charlie) Light of 
Steelville, Missouri and Michael (Julie) Cape of Rolla, 
Missouri; son-in-law, Steve Lewis; 20 grandchildren; 
32 great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; 
sisters-in-law, Donna Eaker of Brookfield, Connecticut 
and Ruth Ann Eaker of Geneseo, Illinois; other relatives 
and friends.
Pallbearers were Michael Light, Joshua Cape, Paul Stoner, 
Andrew Copple, Stephan Copple and Hunter Bell.
Honorary pallbearers were Damon Harris, Brad Hodge, Jared 
Hodge, Luke Christian, Joseph Denham, Jacob Denham, 
Phillip Fessler, Taylor Oxner and Jacob Oxner.
Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 
December 5, 2020 at the Null and Son Funeral Home, Rolla, 
Missouri.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on December 5, 2020 
at the Null and Son Funeral Home, Rolla, Missouri with 
Pastor Chuck Whitmire and Pastor Ray Cook officiating. 
Giving eulogies were daughters Kathy Denham and Marsha 
Light. 
Interment was in the Macedonia Cemetery in Rolla, 
Missouri. 
The service was live streamed on Null and Son Funeral 
Home Facebook page.
Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son 
Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri.


Vickie Huff

Vickie Huff of St. James, Missouri was born July 1, 1956 in 
Elgin, Illinois to Norman and Faye Parris Lenderman and 
passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the age of 
64 years.
She married Randal Huff on December 25, 1975 in O'Fallon, 
Missouri. 
She loved her crafts, spending time with grandchildren and 
watching her squirrels.
She was preceded in death by father, Norman Lenderman.
She is survived by her husband, Randal Huff of St. James, 
Missouri; one daughter, Ginger Apollo and husband Matthew 
of St. James, Missouri; mother, Faye Lenderman; two 
brothers, Thomas Lenderman and Ronald Lenderman of O'Fallon, 
Missouri; one sister, Pamela Sue Lenderman of Arnold, 
Missouri; four grandchildren, Taylor Brennan, McKenzie 
Brennan, Elainah Apollo and Jonathan Apollo; other 
relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 1-2 p.m. on Sunday, 
December 6, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, 
Missouri.
Funeral service were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, 
December 6, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, 
Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral 
Home in St. James, Missouri.


Michael Joseph "Tiny" Keen

Michael Joseph "Tiny" Keen of Steelville, Missouri was born 
on Thursday, August 28, 1969 in Bonne Terre, Missouri to 
Larry Joseph and Mary Lou (Sansoucie) Keen and passed away 
on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at the age of 51 years, 
2 months and 29 days.
Tiny grew up in Bonne Terre, Missouri until he and his family 
moved to Viburnum, Missouri while he was in high school and 
graduated with the Class of 1987. 
After graduating highschool he went to the Nashville Auto 
Diesel College where he received his education to be an 
autobody technician. He then went to work with Bob Brown 
in Rolla, Missouri until he decided that career wasn't 
the right fit for him and went to school for his life 
calling where he got his license to become an EMT and 
paramedic. 
On April 9, 1994 he married Jamie Sue Williams at the 1st 
Baptist Church in Viburnum, Missouri.
Tiny was a police officer in Viburnum, Missouri and also 
ran the ambulance department there. He then moved to 
Steelville, Missouri where he worked on the Steelville 
Fire Department for 25 years where he served as an 
assistant chief and retired as a medical officer. Tiny 
always served the public in an emergency assistance 
capacity. He worked for Rolla, St. James, Viburnum, 
Steelville and North Crawford ambulances and was on the 911 
board of directors.
He served as the Mayor of Steelville for four years. Tiny 
also collected toy emergency vehicles. 
He was baptized at the 2nd Baptist Church of East Bonne 
Terre in 1977 and rededicated his life in 1997. He enjoyed 
NASCAR, going to PDRA races with Moose and delivering 
trailers. Surprisingly, he liked to golf and he enjoyed to 
shoot guns. He loved to sing karaoke with his dad and 
country music, especially the old stuff.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry Keen and Mary 
Lou Williams; and grandparents. 
He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Keen of Viburnum, 
Missouri; sister, Melissa Lamberth of Cook Station, 
Missouri; granddaughter, London Keen of Viburnum, Missouri; 
special nephew, Braeden Lamberth of Cook Station, Missouri; 
special friend, Loren "Moose" Wilson of Cuba, Missouri; 
aunts, Bonnie Koller of Park Hills, Missouri, Lois 
Leftridge and Mary Sansoucie, both of Bonne Terre, Missouri; 
uncle, Karl Sansoucie of Arkansas; other relatives and 
friends.
Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 
at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. 
Funeral service was at 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 2, 2020 
with Michael Abbott and Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. 
The service was live-streamed on the Hutson Funeral Home in 
Steelville's Facebook Page.
The family chose cremation as his final disposition. 
Pallbearers were Loren "Moose" Wilson, Paul Keen, John Keen, 
Bill Patt, Steven Lefler, Richy Gillam, Colby Hemby, Mike 
Plank, Eric Chandler, James Jones, Keith Young and Mike 
Sherman.
Honorary pallbearers were Mike Simpson, Braeden Lamberth, 
Karen Isgrig and Michael Abbott.
Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral 
Home in Steelville, Missouri.


Jerry Edward Kline

Jerry Edward Kline of Vichy, Missouri was born July 20, 1944, 
at Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Lawrence T. and Mickey Jean 
(Banks) Kline and passed away Monday, November 30, 2020, 
at the age of 76 years.
He married Janet D. Counts on August 10th, 1963 in Sullivan 
Missouri. 
Jerry was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to fish and hunt. 
He enjoyed the waters of Lake Taneycomo in Branson, the 
Gasconade River and especially the mighty Mississippi. One 
time Jerry was fishing the Mississippi for catfish and 
hooked a 44-pound catfish on a rod and reel. He had the 
head-mounted and was featured in the Missouri Field and 
Stream Magazine. It was a record catfish caught on a rod 
and reel at the time. He also enjoyed hunting squirrels, 
deer and turkey. 
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet; one daughter, 
Theresa Payne and husband Todd of St. Louis, Missouri; two 
sons, Jeff Kline of Sullivan, Missouri and Jerry and wife 
Diane Kline of Sullivan Missouri; one brother, Larry G. 
Kline and wife Sue of Bourbon, Missouri; six grandchildren, 
Jacob, Diana, Sarah, Laura, Madison and Reese; great 
grandchildren, Salena, Gabriel, Liam, Lucy, Landyn and one 
due in January; other relatives and friends.
Due to the COVID-19 illness that took him from a healthy 
person to his death in a very short time, the family will 
celebrate his life at a private gathering. 
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral 
Home in St. James, Missouri.


Leslie "Butch" Koerber

Leslie "Butch" Koerber of St. James, Missouri was born on 
June 17, 1943 to Louis Henry and Maudie Rhea French Koerber 
and passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the age of 77 
years.
He married Marlene Southard on November 17, 1962 at the 
Broadway Baptist Church in St. James, Missouri. 
He attended elementary school in Vichy, Missouri. He 
attended high school in Rolla, Missouri and graduated 
in 1961.
Butch enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard in 
March of 1964. He was a member of the 1438th Engineering 
Company in Rolla, Missouri. He received orders to report 
for active duty to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina in May 1964. 
He was released from active duty in October 1964. He served 
in the 1438th Engineering Company in Rolla for 11 years. 
He attained the rank of SP6-E6 being a personnel specialist.
He worked at Ozark Equipment repairing small engines. His 
work career then led him to Montgomery Ward and Johnson, 
Stevens and Shinkel Shoe Factory, both located in Rolla 
and Quaker Window and Door Co. in Freeburg, Missouri. 
On March 15, 1962 he started working for the St. James Bank 
in bookkeeping. He worked for the St. James Bank until 
May 1984. While working at the bank, he attained many 
positions working through the ranks to the position of 
Executive Vice President. 
He worked at Centere Bank in Rolla as a consultant and 
later for St. James Credit Company from 1986-2005 as 
Vice President and office manager.
After leaving the St. James Bank he received his diploma 
in Pastorial Ministries from the External Division of the 
Southern Baptist Seminaries in Nashville, Tennessee in 1984. 
He pastored at many churches. 
At 17 years old he became Sunday School Superintendent for 
the first time. 
He and his wife, Marlene directed numerous Christmas 
programs and Vacation Bible Schools. He was ordained as 
a deacon in January 1965. He served as chairman of the 
deacons for 20 years until he was ordained into the ministry. 
He has attended First Baptist Church in Rolla, Missouri 
upon retiring from the ministry in 2005.
Butch enjoyed farming on his wife's family farm. In 1976 
after Marlene's dad had passed away, they began raising 
feeder calves, moving to a cow-calf operation a few years 
later. They retired from farming around 2001.
He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce while working at 
the bank and worked many fall festivals. For 11 years, he 
was a member of the American Legion Post 607. He served as 
Phelps County Commander, Post Commander and finance officer. 
He was a board member of the Veteran's Home Assistance 
League for over 30 years.
He was Cubmaster for Pack 95 for three years and Unit 
Commissioner for Boys Scouts of America. He coached 
Kiwanis basketball and baseball. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and 
Maudie Koerber; brothers, Lawrence Koerber and Joe 
Koerber; and sisters, Bonnie Dillon and Sandy Elliott.
He is survived by his wife, Marlene of St. James, Missouri; 
son, Bruce Koerber and wife Robin of Nixa, Missouri; 
grandsons, Bryson and Brayden Koerber; sisters, Viola 
Anderson and husband Charles of Troy, Missouri and Sharon 
Sullivan and husband Bill of Lee's Summit, Missouri; 
sisters-in-law, Ann Koerber of St. James, Missouri and 
Rosemary Koerber of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; brother-in-law, 
Rick Elliott of Fulton, Missouri; other relatives and 
friends.
Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020 
at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, 
December 5, 2020 at the First Baptist Church in Rolla, 
Missouri with Bob Johnston officiating. Hymns of "Because 
He Lives" "Just A Closer Walk with Thee" and "Amazing 
Grace" were sung by Bruce and Beki Wade with Jeanette 
Ashley as pianist. 
Pallbearers were Scott Anderson, Darrel Koerber, Greg 
Dillon, Jason Fuller, Kerry Feeler and Scott Feeler. 
Interment was in the Broadway Memorial Cemetery in 
St. James, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral 
Home in St. James, Missouri.


Dawn Renee McCoy

Dawn Renee McCoy (nee Palmer) of Bourbon, Missouri was born 
on Friday, June 11, 1976 in Sullivan, Missouri to Billie 
Joe and Sandra Renee (Cox) Palmer and passed away on Tuesday, 
December 1, 2020 at the age of 44 years, 5 months and 20 
days.
Dawn attended church as a youngster and accepted the Lord 
early in life. 
Dawn married Anthony Christopher McCoy on January 14, 1994 
in Sullivan, Missouri.
She worked as a nurse's aide at Redwood Manor Care Center. 
She liked going to the river with her mom and son, 
Christopher. She also would take him to the park to play 
and enjoy the outdoors. She loved making crafts with her 
grandma, especially scrapbooking and painting ceramics. 
She was an avid Bingo player. She usually won whenever she 
played. 
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Otto (Lola) 
Palmer, Roy Cox Jr., Harry Hickenbothen and Henry (Ethel) 
Lore; uncle, David Britton; and aunts, Tricia Hoehne and 
Janet Johaning.
She is survived by her husband, Anthony McCoy of Sullivan, 
Missouri; son, Christopher John McCoy of Bourbon, Missouri; 
mother, Sandra Britton of Cuba, Missouri; father, Billie 
Joe (Willie) Palmer of Sullivan, Missouri; parents-in-law, 
Earl (Susan) McCoy Sr. of Bourbon, Missouri; grandmother, 
Shirley Jean Hickenbothen of Tuscumbia, Missouri; brothers, 
Joey (Mary Kris) Palmer of Rogersville, Missouri and Justin 
Hillman of St. Clair, Missouri; sister, Amanda (Russell) 
McGuinnis of St. Peters, Missouri; brother-in-law, Earl 
(Tracy) McCoy Jr. of Bourbon, Missouri; special friend, Lisa 
Goodwin of Sullivan, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, 
December 7, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, 
Missouri. 
Funeral service was held at 7 p.m. on Monday, 
December 7, 2020 with Pastor Michael Stephens officiating. 
The family chose cremation as her final disposition. 
Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral 
Home in Cuba, Missouri. 


William "Bill" Moreland

William "Bill" Moreland of Wesco, Missouri was born on 
Monday, August 12, 1935 in Vichy, Missouri to William 
"Elmer" and Gladys (Cook) Moreland and passed away on 
Friday, November 27, 2020 at the age of 85 years, 3 months 
and 15 days.
Bill graduated from St. James High School in 1954. 
He married Iris Fairy Earney in St. James, Missouri on 
Friday, September 13, 1957.
He spent nine years in the National Guard where he 
constructed floatable bridges, ending up a Sergeant with 
an E5 ranking.
He worked for Dr. Stricker where he gained his knowledge 
and experience running heavy equipment and then worked 
for Ray Boston Construction for 14 years. He moved on to 
work for McCarthy Brothers Construction Company for many 
years until retirement where he ran everything but a crane. 
He was a member of Local #513 Operator Engineers Union.
As a youngster, Bill loved to coon hunt. He won numerous 
trophies and was a member of a coon hunting club. During his 
life his hobbies included hunting, boating, fishing, gigging 
and welding. He was an outstanding mechanic and could fix or 
weld anything. 
He would dig ponds, lakes and foundations for people. He 
also cut grass and kept Wesco looking like a park. He even 
took people to work during bad weather since he could 
manage the Wesco Hill.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Gladys 
Moreland; parents-in-law, Marion "Bill" and Minnie Lee 
(Gibbs) Earney; brothers, Kenneth (Rachel) Moreland and 
Robert Moreland; niece, Sherri Whitaker; and nephew, Billy 
Dan Earney.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Iris Moreland of 
Wesco, Missouri; children, Vickie (Leonard) Munton of 
Steelville, Missouri and Patrick (Michelle) Moreland of 
Wesco, Missouri; grandchildren, Mark (Nicole) Beezley of 
Steelville, Missouri, Kimberlee (James) Cook of Sullivan, 
Missouri and Austin Moreland of Wesco, Missouri; great 
grandchildren, Zoey Cook and Lydia Cook of Sullivan, 
Missouri; siblings, Bernice (Wally) Jones of Rolla, Missouri, 
Wayne (Joy) Moreland of Savage, Minnesota, James (Helen) 
Moreland of Vienna, Missouri, Margaret Feeler-Ridenhour and 
Janet (Robert) Roach, both of Rolla, Missouri and Donald 
(Stephanie) Moreland of Tipp City, Ohio; brother-in-law, 
Danny (Kathy) Earney of Steelville, Missouri; sister-in-law, 
Glenda (Jack) Moreland Davis of Haughton, Louisiana; family 
member, Tom Beezley of Steelville, Missouri; other relatives 
and friends.
Visitation was held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, 
December 3, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, 
Missouri. 
Funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, 
December 3, 2020 with Rev. Don Wissmann officiating. 
The family chose cremation as his final disposition. 
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home 
in Steelville, Missouri. 


Lawrence "Larry" William O'Neal

Lawrence "Larry" William O'Neal of Cuba, Missouri was born 
on August 13, 1970 in Sullivan, Missouri to Glenda 
(Dickerson) and Larry O'Neal and passed away on Friday, 
December 4, 2020 at the age of 50 years.
Lawrence attended school in Arkansas.
Lawrence was employed as a laborer and supervisor while 
working construction in Florida. 
He was preceded in death by his mother, Glenda (Dickerson) 
O'Neal; and a brother, Richard Ray Adams.
He is survived by his father and step mother, Larry and 
Teresa O'Neal of Centertown, Missouri; one daughter, 
Jessica Marie Swinson of Cocoa, Florida; sister, Kimberly 
L. Collier of London, Kentucky; other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Cremation arrangements under the direction of Rolla 
Cremation and Memorial in Rolla, Missouri. 


Louis "Pete" Dean Righter

Louis "Pete" Dean Righter of Steelville, Missouri was born 
on Wednesday, April 26, 1944 in St. Louis City, Missouri 
to Maurice F. and Helen B. (Potter) Righter and passed 
away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at the age of 76 years, 
6 months and 29 days.
Pete was raised by his Granny, Lottie Potter and "Aunt Babe" 
Elenora Shedd in Eminence, Missouri. 
He graduated from Eminence High School with the Class of 
1962.
He married Barbara Hellen Ruble on September 6, 1963 at the 
old Center Point Baptist Church in Steelville, Missouri by 
Rev. Ernest Snodgrass. 
Pete worked at Merritt Sawmill and Reed Lumber before moving 
to Wisconsin, where they lived for three years and he worked 
buying walnut timber. After they returned to Steelville, 
Missouri he started Righter Logging which became a lifelong 
career for him and his son Jimmy. He also worked with Bill 
Missey and Larry Adams on occasion. 
Pete belonged to the Steelville Fire Department for over 
15 years where he served on the board and was a Safety 
Officer. He accepted the Lord early in life and attended 
Straightway Baptist Church. Pete enjoyed watching 
hummingbirds and going out to his shed to listen to the 
rain. He looked forward to planting cornfields each year 
with his great grandson, Trysten. He enjoyed to fish, 
hunt and gig. Pete was a man to look up to and taught 
his family many life lessons. 
He was preceded in death by his father, Maurice F. Righter; 
step mother, Hazel Righter; grandparents, Lottie Potter 
and Louis "Date" (Lola) Potter; special aunt, "Aunt Babe" 
parents-in-law, Voyd and Lucille Ruble; half-sister, Joyce 
Alexander; brothers-in-law, Mark Anderson and Bill Wood Sr.;
sister-in-law, Shirley (John) Eaton; and uncle, Louis 
(Bartley) Potter.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barb Righter of 
Steelville, Missouri; children, Lisa (Danny) Brooks of 
Steelville, Missouri, Becky (Kim) Eaton of Cherryville, 
Missouri and Jimmy (Tonia) Righter of Steelville, Missouri; 
grandchildren, Robbie Brooks (Miranda), Brad Brooks (Beth), 
Candice (Robbie) Richter, Ethan Righter and Rylee Righter, 
all of Steelville, Missouri and Logan Eaton (Makala) of 
Cherryville, Missouri; great grandchildren, Kaylee, Peyton, 
Jaxson, Kelcee, Ryker, Cash, Charlie, Trysten, Garrett, 
Emmitt, Raygan, Camden, Briley, Stetson and babies Raylynn 
Richter and Blakely Eaton on the way; mother, Helen 
Alexander of Boca Raton, Florida; siblings, Rick (Lorna) 
Righter 
and Susan Anderson (companion Richard Donahue), both of 
New Glarus, Wisconsin and Janet (Ray "Butch" Garms of 
Fayette, Missouri and Dora Carey of Boca Raton, Florida; 
brother-in-law, Gene (Mae) Ruble of Steelville, Missouri; 
sister-in-law, Joan Wood of Steelville, Missouri; special 
aunts, Daphyne Potter, Jean Dotson, Elenora (Punky) 
Blunkall, Charlotte Orchard, Birdie Prewett and Patti 
King; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2020 
at the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral service was at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 
at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with 
Rev. Alan Miles and Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. 
Burial was at the Righter Family Cemetery in Steelville, 
Missouri. 
Pallbearers were Robbie Brooks, Brad Brooks, Candice 
Richter, Logan Eaton, Ethan Righter, Rylee Righter, 
Trysten Richter and Garrett Richter.
Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral 
Home in Steelville, Missouri.


Ada Lea Payton

Ada Lea Payton of St James, Missouri was born 
January 15, 1957 at Rolla, Missouri to James Robert and 
Violet Jane Grotpeter Cunningham and passed away Tuesday, 
November 24, 2020 at the age of 63 years.
On October 12, 1991 in St. James, Missouri Ada married 
Everett Ray Payton.
Ada always was interested in the person she was talking to 
and had a smile and a chuckle. She was tender hearted and a 
very loving person. She to worship at the Solid Rock 
Christian Church.
She worked as a secretary at the Rolla Hospital for over 12 
years and worked in the kitchen at the hospital for over 10 
years. 
She loved to play board games and cards and enjoyed reading 
books. Ada enjoyed collection angles and appreciated the 
therapeutic value of viewing all the different kinds of 
angels she had in her collection. 
Not many people have suffered the illness that she had and 
keep the good attitude that she had, but her focus was on 
things above and not upon the things of this earth. 
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Violet 
Cunningham; and two brothers, Gene and Ray Allen Cunningham.
She is survived by her husband, Everett of St. James, 
Missouri; one son, Robert Dempsey Payton of St. James, 
Missouri; one brother, Dale Cunningham and wife Michelle of 
Conroe, Texas; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday 
November 29, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St James, 
Missouri.
Funeral service was held at 3 p.m. on Sunday 
November 29, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St James, 
Missouri with Craig Rippy officiating. 
Burial was next to her parents at the Kinder Cemetery in 
Cuba, Missouri. 
Pallbearers were John Grotha, Rick Huizinga, Doug Daniel, 
Mike Doyle, Alan Wynn and Randy Underwood. 
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home 
in St. James, Missouri.


Kyhle Scott Seifert

Kyhle Scott Seifert of Union, Missouri was born 
January 8, 1987 to Scott A. Seifert and Peggy Settle Zika 
in Columbia, Missouri and passed away Thursday, 
November 19, 2020 at the age of 33 years.
He graduated with an Associates Degree from East Central 
College. He worked in maintenance and repair as a service 
technician. He enjoyed going to the river and watching the 
Kansas Chiefs.
He was a member of Sacred Heart in Rich Fountain, Missouri.
He is survived by his parents, Scott Seifert of St. James, 
Missouri and Peggy Zika of Linn, Missouri; brother, Aaron 
Zika of Rich Fountain, Missouri; children, Ashtyn Seifert, 
Silas Seifert, Emma Seifert and their mother, Melissa 
Seifert of Union, Missouri; other relatives and friends. 
Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, 
November 24, 2020 at the Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in 
Owensville, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, 
November 24, 2020 at the Gottenstroeter Funeral Home Chapel 
in Owensville, Missouri with Clyde Zelch officiating. 
Arrangements under the direction of the Gottenstroeter 
Funeral Home in Owensville, Missouri.


Carl Wayne Strosnider Sr.

Carl Wayne Strosnider Sr. of Cuba, Missouri was born on 
Wednesday, August 19, 1959 in Mountain Home, Arkansas to 
Jim and Jeanette (Close) Strosnider and passed away on 
Friday, November 27, 2020 at the age of 61 years.
Carl served in the United States Army National Guard. He 
would later become disabled, after a motorcycle accident. 
He enjoyed motorcycles, playing his guitar and treasure 
hunting. 
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy D. Strosnider.
He is survived by his parents, Jim and Jeanette Strosnider 
of Cuba, Missouri; four children, Bianca Strosnider, Carl W. 
and wife Jaelyn Strosnider Jr. of Laplace, Louisiana, 
Chris Smith of St. Clair, Missouri and Alicia Strosnider 
of Bourbon, Missouri; two brothers, Terry Strosnider of 
Cuba, Missouri, Joe and wife Pam Strosnider of Union, 
Missouri; sister, Melody Wright of Bourbon, Missouri; 11 
grandchildren; one great grandchild; other relatives and 
friends.
Graveside service was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 
December 2, 2020 at the Bourbon Cemetery in Bourbon, 
Missouri with Pastor Carl W. Strosnider Jr.
Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home 
of Cuba, Missouri.  


Elda Ora Thomeczek

Elda Ora Thomeczek of Gerald, Missouri was born 
January 7, 1939 to Daniel and Florence (Rice) Shepherd in 
Strain, Missouri and passed away Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020 at 
the age of 81 years.
She married Joseph Thomeczek on September 12, 1992 in 
Rosebud, Missouri.
Elda was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in 
Gerald, Missouri. She enjoyed embroidery, gardening in her 
flower garden and feeding and watching the backyard birds.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and 
Florence Shepherd; grandson, Erik Joers; granddaughter, 
Melinda Sappington; brothers, George and Elmer Shepherd; 
brother-in-law, Forest Binkholder; and sister-in-law, 
Berniece Shepherd.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph of the home; sons, 
Doug Brauks of Gerald, Missouri, Joe Thomeczek of Leasburg, 
Missouri and David Thomeczek and wife Julie of St. John, 
U.S. Virgin Islands; daughters, Patricia Joers and husband 
Larry and Pam Hollandsworth and husband Rick, all of Gerald, 
Missouri and Lynn Williams and husband Mark of Bethalto, 
Illinois; sister, Mary Ann Binkholder of Gerald, Missouri; 
grandchildren, Ethan (Shyanne), Missa (special friend 
Shannon), Josh, Jason (Jenny), Justin (Brittani), Ryan 
(Laurie), Adam, Tim, Sarah, Alex, Angela, Amber; seven 
great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 12:30-2 p.m. on Sunday, 
December 6, 2020 at the St. Paul's United Church of Christ 
in Gerald, Missouri.
Services were held at 2 p.m. at the St. Paul's United 
Church of Christ in Gerald, Missouri with Rev. Glenn 
Hollander officiating. 
Burial was in the Schmidt Cemetery in Strain, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Gottenstroetter 
Funeral Home in Gerald, Missouri.


Victoria "Michelle" Ventura

Victoria "Michelle" Ventura of Steelville, Missouri was born 
on Thursday, January 5, 1978 in Sullivan, Missouri to Rev. 
Charles and Vicky Lee (Martin) Taff and passed away on 
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the age of 42 years, 10 
months and 27 days.
Michelle attended Wellington High School. She was a member 
of the Assembly of God in Steelville, Missouri.
She married Ronald Bruce Ventura on Saturday, April 21, 2018 
in Brewster, Kansas.
She worked as a CNA at South Haven Nursing Home and 
Wellington Nursing Home (Good Samaritan Nursing Home) in 
Kansas. She also helped at Victory House Teen Challenge for 
five years.
Michelle was a big animal lover, had an animal science 
certificate and worked at a vet clinic for a while. She 
loved her furbabies, Timber Wolf and Jasmine Grace and was 
a dog trainer.
Her main love was German Shepherds which were her all time 
favorite and she enjoyed anything to do with them. Michelle 
was a horse fanatic. She loved fishing with her grandpa, 
Stanley. She was a diehard Broncos fan and Kansas Jayhawks 
fan.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William 
"Bill" (Frances May) Taff and Stanley (Berneal) Martin; 
great grandparents, Herman and Frona "Fronie" Dunlap; 
parents-in-law, Ronald Sr. and Virginia Ann (Rusaw) Ventura; 
five infant children; aunts, Annette Taff and Amanda 
Quinton; and uncle, Clayton Taff.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald Bruce Ventura of 
Steelville, Missouri; parents, Rev. Charles and Vicky Taff 
of Springfield, Missouri; brother, Jordon (Hannah) Taff of 
Salina, Kansas; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 3-4 p.m. on Sunday, 
December 6, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, 
Missouri. 
Celebration of Life was held at 4 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral 
Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Beers 
officiating. 
The family chose cremation as her final disposition. 
Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home 
in Steelville, Missouri.


John L. Welkener

John L. Welkener of Lebanon, Ohio was born July 4, 1939 in 
St. Louis, Missouri to John A. and Marie C. (Lemand) 
Welkener and passed away Monday, November 30, 2020 at the 
age of 81 years.
On December 10, 1961 he married Irene (Weller) Welkener. 
John attended school in Steelville, Missouri and was an Air 
Force Veteran of Vietnam War. He worked in the technical 
field for his entire career, most of those years at IBM, 
was a 32-degree Mason and member of the American Legion. 
His favorite things were music (especially trumpet), and 
anything aviation related as he had a small aircraft 
aviation license and frequently attended airshows. John 
also attended the Otterbein Lebanon United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie 
Welkener; and two sisters, Shirley (Al) Halbman and Arlene 
Hubbard.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Irene; two children, 
Michele Welkener and John (Terri) Welkener Jr.; granddaughter, 
Katelyn Welkener; sisters, Jean Walker of St. Louis, Missouri, 
Elaine Ransom of Steelville, Missouri and Carol (Junior) 
Halbert of Davisville, Missouri; brother, Leonard (Cinda) 
Welkener of Oâ'Fallon, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Due to COVID-19, a small family graveside service with 
military honors with the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard 
was held Friday, December 4, 2020 in the Bainbridge 
Cemetery in Bainbridge, Ohio.
Arrangements under the direction of the Smith-Moore-Ebright 
Funeral Home in Bainbridge, Ohio. 


Betsey Elaine Young

Betsey Elaine Young of St. Clair, Missouri was born on 
Saturday, September 29, 1973 in Rolla, Missouri to Lee R. 
and Eula (Reeves) Young and passed away on Tuesday, 
December 1, 2020 at the age of 47 years, 2 months and 2 
days.
Betsey graduated from Steelville High School with the Class 
of 1991. She then went to Northeast Missouri State 
University in Kirksville, Missouri where she received her 
Bachelor Degree in Pre-Law. 
She worked for many years for the Missouri Department of 
Social Services in the Family Support Division.
She loved crafting and made Christmas ornaments every year. 
She also loved playing board and card games with family and 
friends. She enjoyed traveling and loved going anywhere 
that she could see the ocean. She was an animal lover and 
had four cats that she was crazy about. She also went 
almost every weekend to the movies with her sister and she 
called her mother every night without fail.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Conn and 
Pansy Young and Countis Reeves; and brother, Paul Young.
She is survived by her parents, Lee and Eula Young of 
Steelville, Missouri; sister, Denese Young of Licking, 
Missouri; partner, Donald Turner of St. Clair, Missouri; 
best friend, Aimee Paulson; other relatives and friends.
The family chose cremation as her final disposition. 
A memorial service will be held at a later date when the 
family feels it is safe to gather together. COVID-19 took 
Betsey and they do not want to lose anyone else.
Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral 
Home in Steelville, Missouri.



Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. 
http://www.threeriverspublishing.com/
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