Obituaries from January 2003

BLOOMFIELD - Michael Kim Stephens, 33, died Dec. 31, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born Jan. 22, 1969, in Cape Girardeau, son of Michael Stephens of Bloomfield and Terri May Geiger of Bartow, Fla., he was a motorcycle salesman for Bluff Honda in Poplar Bluff. He was a member of Dexter Elks Lodge 2439 and Advance Eagles Aerie 4154...

SIKESTON - Christine Inglis Farmer, 77, formerly of Mississippi County, died Dec. 30, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Dec. 31, 1924, in Drakesboro, Ky., daughter of the late Sherman and Mossie Hope Inglis, she lived in Mississippi County for many years before moving to Rockville, Ind., and later returned to Sikeston...

SIKESTON - Cynthia Louise Blackburn, 85, died Jan. 1, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Blanchard Funeral Chapel, where visitation is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. Services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston...

DEXTER - Ruby McMunn, 83, died Jan. 1, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 14, 1919, in Byrdstown, Tenn., daughter of the late Henry Martin and Sarah Elizabeth Knight Halbert, she lived in Dexter most of her life and owned and operated McMunn Auto Parts. She was a member of the Dexter Church of Christ and American Legion Auxiliary and a former member of the Rebekah Lodge...

KILGORE, Texas - Charles Edward "Charlie" Brewer died Dec. 29, 2002, at Laird Memorial Hospital. Born in Wayne County, son of the late Edward Wyle and Sara Velma Frost Brewer, he attended the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Laird Hill. Before moving to Texas, he was a construction foreman for the S.J. Coin Construction Company during the construction of the air base in Blytheville, Ark. He was employed by Lumlog and had also been a diesel mechanic for Eagle Trucking...

SIKESTON - John Robert Shaw, formerly of Poynette, Wis., died Dec. 31, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Dec. 27, 1942, in Poynette, son of the late Warren and Mary Shaw, he lived on Lake Wisconsin for 20 years after his marriage, was actively involved in the Grade Boat and Snowmobile Club and also enjoyed hunting and fishing. ...

PATTON - Rufus Clay Martin, 82, died Dec. 31, 2002, at his home in Patton. Born Sept. 26, 1920, to the late Henry and Callie Ashlock Martin, he had spent most of his life in the Avert community in Stoddard County. A retired farmer and minister with the Church of God, he was also the former owner of Martin Hill Retirement Center near Avert...

NEW MADRID - Mary Lou Edwards Medlin, 68, of New Madrid and Germantown, Tenn., died Jan. 1, 2003, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Born July 21, 1934, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of the late Walter Scott and Rachel Murphy Edwards Jr., she was a homemaker, farm manager and certified public accountant. ...

SIKESTON - Judy Babb, 45, died Jan. 2, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

CHARLESTON - Lillie Mae Starks, 92, died Dec. 27, 2002, at the Charleston Manor. Born Sept. 1, 1910, in Arkansas, she lived in Charleston for many years. She was a member of Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Wyatt, where she served on the Usher Board and Mother's Board...

DEXTER - Pansy Walker, 55, died Jan. 1, 2003, at the home of her brother in Dexter. Born Sept. 24, 1947, to Otho Brown of Dexter and the late Alma Walker Brown, she was a line supervisor for Rowe Furniture in Poplar Bluff. On June 4, 1966, at Essex, she married James E. Walker, who preceded her in death on Oct. 31, 2000...

CHAFFEE - Aubrey C. Dennis, 89, died at 10:45 a.m. Dec. 31, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 6, 1913, in Caney, son of the late James Lafayette and Delpha Cecilia Good Dennis, he was a brick layer with Local No. 1 in St. Louis before retiring and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Chaffee...

SIKESTON - Joseph Ray Schaefer, 78, died at 1:25 a.m. Jan. 1, 2003, at his home, following an extended illness. Born June 15, 1924, in Cape Girardeau, son of the late Martin and Anna McBride Schaefer, he was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and of the Knights of Columbus Council 3151 in Sikeston. ...

MOREHOUSE - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Donald Hoots, 83, who died Jan. 1, 2003, were: Pete Leija, Junior Younger, John Launius, Marlin Swinger, Bill Beck and Sonny Garner.

SCOTT CITY- Virginia Laura Creech, 93, died Jan. 1, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born April 13, 1909, in Canton, daughter of the late Charles and Margaret Sloan, she had taught kindergarten students in Georgetown, Ill., and was a member of the First Christian Church in Cape Girardeau...

SIKESTON - Elizabeth Catherine Stidham Hawkins, 39, died Jan. 2, 2002, at St. Louis University Hospital, following a lengthy illness. Born Aug. 28, 1963, in Alton, Ill., daughter of Ernest E. "Pat" Stidham Sr. and Shirley Emerson Stidham of Sikeston, she graduated in 1982 from Scott County Central High School. She was a waitress at Danny's Place for 10 years and member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church...

SIKESTON - Judy Lee Babb, 45, died at 6:50 a.m. Jan. 2, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born June 27, 1957, in Sikeston, she was the daughter of Betty McBroom Beck of Sikeston and the late Spurlin Beck Sr. On Dec. 5, 1977, she married Larry Franklin Babb who preceded her in death on April 14, 1993...

SIKESTON - Cynthia Louise Blackburn, 85, died at 12:16 p.m. Jan. 1, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 20, 1917, in Peach Orchard, Ark., daughter of the late Charles and Grace Kennemur Scott, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston for and had been active in United Methodist Women on all levels in the Missouri East Conference. ...

SIKESTON - Delores Knuckles, 69, of rural Sikeston, died Jan. 3, 2002, in a house fire. Visitation is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. Monday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel where services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

MURRAY, Ky. - Thomas P. "Tom" McCloskey, 86, formerly of Mississippi County, Mo., died at 11:45 p.m. Jan. 3, 2003, in the Murray-Calloway Hospital in Murray. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

EAST PRAIRIE - Brenda Joyce Marshall, 60, died at 1:40 p.m. Jan. 2, 2003, in Beverly Health Care in New Madrid. Born June 29, 1942, at East Prairie, daughter of the late John Edward and Gladys Amanda Monroe Bonta, she had lived all of her life near East Prairie...

IDLEWILD - Meredith "Hap" Smith Sr., 77, died Jan. 2, 2003, at his home. Born July 25, 1925, at Dundee, Mich., son of the late Leroy and Effie M. Burrington Smith, he was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. On March 15, 1952, in Britton, Mich., he married Sallyann Linderman who preceded him in death on June 25, 1995...

SIKESTON - Arrangements have been completed for Elizabeth Catherine Stidham Hawkins, 39, who died Jan. 2, 2002. Visitation is from 5 p.m. Monday until time for a memorial service at 7 p.m. at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Stephen Schneider, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, will officiate...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Ruby McMunn, 83, who died Jan. 1, 2003, were: Richard Horner, G.B. Richey, Eugene Menley, Bobby Ernest, Clyde Jacques and Bill Ferguson.

JACKSON - Jack Bixler, 79, formerly of Sikeston, died at 10:20 p.m. Jan. 3, 2003, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born Jan. 21, 1923, at Atkins, Ark., son of the late Bertie and Katie Muirhead Bixler, he was a member of Murray Lane Baptist Church and had served in the U.S. Army during World War II. A member of the American Legion and Masonic Lodge in Cape Girardeau, he was part owner and an accountant with an accounting firm in Arkansas...

GREENFIELD, Ind. - Alferd L. Magee, 67, died Jan. 2, 2003, at Hancock Memorial Hospital in Greenfield. Born Feb. 17, 1935, in Frog Jump, Tenn., he was the son of the late Elisha and Bunav Williams Magee. His wife, Gloretta Davis Magee, survives of the home...

SCOTT CITY -- David Louis Mattes, 46, died Jan. 4, 2003, at his home. He was born Aug. 28, 1956, in Perryville, son of Mary Jane Wichern Mattes of Kelso and the late John Dominic Mattes. David was a salesman with Glazer Midwest (formerly Paramount Liquor) for 21 years. He graduated in 1974 form Illmo-Scott City High School and was a member of Eisleben Lutheran Church in Scott City and Elks Lodge 639 in Cape Girardeau. David enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his friends...

SIKESTON -- Jimmie Lee Summers, 70, died at 6:09 p.m. Jan. 4, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born July 30, 1932, in Chaffee, son of the late Leo and Violet Gore Summers, he was a parts exchanger in the International Shoe Factory Maintenance Department in Sikeston and member of Christ Gospel Church in Blodgett...

MURRAY, Ky. -- Thomas Penman "Tom" McCloskey Jr., 86, formerly of Mississippi County, Mo., died at 11:45 p.m. Jan. 3, 2003, at the Murray-Calloway Hospital. Born Nov. 14, 1916, near Ponca City, Okla., he was the son of the late Thomas Penman and Mary Hannah McAnich McCloskey Sr. ...

SIKESTON -- Pallbearers at services conducted at 10:30 a.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Jack Bixler, 79, of Jackson and formerly of Sikeston, who died Jan. 3, 2003, were: Michael Bixler, Joe Bixler, Greg Bixler, Jim Bob Bixler, William Lewis Bixler and Tony Truelove...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted at 10:30 a.m. today at Blanchard Funeral Chapel for Alferd L. Magee, 67, of Greenfield, Ind., who died Jan. 2, 2003, were: Dennis Griffith, Terry Hatfield, Mark Warren, Mike Reeves, Brandon Walker, Justin Griffith and Larry Magee...

SIKESTON -- Delores LaQuita Knuckles, 69, died Jan. 3, 2003, at her home, in a house fire. Born Jan. 13, 1933, in Canalou, daughter of the late William "Bill" and Vernia Rainwater Landers, she was a member of Calvary Temple Assembly of God Church in Sikeston. ...

BLOOMFIELD -- Loedith Ann Shipley, 87, died Jan. 4, 2003, at the Beverly Health Care in Bloomfield. Born Jan. 24, 1915, in Manila, Ark., daughter of the late Mack and Lena Morgan Colvin, she retired as a cook for the Hickory House Restaurant in Dexter and was affiliated with the Bible Tabernacle Church in Bloomfield...

EAST PRAIRIE -- Billy Max Owens, 62, died Jan. 4, 2003, at his home. Born March 20, 1940, in East Prairie, son of Alpha Gladys Archer Owens of East Prairie and the late Willie Swank Owens, he lived in East Prairie all his life. He was a mechanic for Delta New Holland near East Prairie and member of the First Baptist Church and Masonic Lodge 407 in Charleston...

EAST PRAIRIE -- Lorene I. Compas, 93, died at 6:45 p.m. Jan. 4, 2003, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Born Aug. 25, 1909, in Rover, Ark., daughter of the late James Thomas and Dessie England Hunt, she lived in East Prairie most of her life, where she was a member of the First Church of God...

CHAFFEE - Mildred Vickery, 83, died at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 5, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 17, 1919, in Henderson County, Tenn., daughter of the late Lucian Young and Ada Frances Douglas Wiles, she was a hairdresser and retired as owner and operator of Mildred's Beauty Shop. A member of the First Baptist Church in Chaffee, she was also a member of Chaffee PEO Sisterhood, the Chaffee Historical Society and past matron of Chaffee Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 48...

DEXTER -- Barbara Jean Williams, 77, formerly of Granite City, Ill., died Jan. 6, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born Oct. 12, 1925, in St. Louis, daughter of the late George V. and Pearl Morgan Sheets, she was a member of the Central Christian Church and was a teacher in Granite City before retiring...

POPLAR BLUFF - Elizabeth June Maxwell, 83, formerly of Sikeston, died at 9:42 a.m. Jan. 6, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 2, 1919, in Prairie Township, Ill., daughter of the late Russell and Chloe Ingle Nidey, she was a member of North Acres General Baptist Church in Sikeston. She was a cook for the Sikeston High School cafeteria before retiring...

MARSTON - Shelby Davis, 82, died Jan. 6, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Loedith A. Shipley, 87, who died Jan. 4, 2003, were: Cory Leathers, Kevin McNeil, Mike Knoedell, Todd Young, David Tison and Dewayne Kemper.

CHARLESTON - Eric Falando Curtis Evans, 27, died Dec. 31, 2002, in Charleston. Born June 25, 1975, in Chicago, Ill., son of Eric and Cynthia Curtis Evans of Chicago, he lived in Charleston for the past 13 years and graduated from Charleston High School...

DEXTER - Frank Hunsperger, 46, died Jan. 7, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

SCOTT CITY - Leo Hester, 70, died at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 4, 2003, at his home. Born June 25, 1932, in Cape Girardeau, son of the late Leon and Lela Muriel Lincoln Hester, he was an over-the-road truck driver before retiring. On July 15, 1966, in Cape Girardeau, he married Rose Anna Brashear who preceded him in death on Feb. 3, 1976...

HOWARDVILLE - Jettie Benjamin "B.J." "Black" Rowe, 78, died Jan. 6, 2003, at his home. Born Sept. 10, 1924, in Caruthersville, son of the late Losson and Minnie Gillispie Rowe, he was a lifelong resident of Missouri. He retired from Noranda Aluminum Inc. in Marston and was past mayor and alderman of Howardville. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Howardville...

FAIRBORN, Ohio - Mary Joan Seymour, 53, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Jan. 3, 2003, at her home. Born Oct. 18, 1949, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Edward E. and Ruth Moore Seymour, she received a bachelor of arts degree from Texas Tech University and retired as a music teacher for Fairborn Public Schools. ...

MARSTON - Shelby Davis, 82, died Jan. 6, 2003, at his home. Born Oct. 7, 1920, in Decatur, Tenn., he was the son of the late George and Bessie Davis. On Oct. 7, 1938, in Portageville, he married Robbie Stricklin who survives of the home. Other survivors include: one daughter, Shirley Savat of Marston; one brother, Ed Davis of Waynesboro, Tenn.; one sister, Hazel Morris of Clifton, Tenn.; two granddaughters, Tonya Ganus and Tammy Dobbs; and three great-grandchildren, Ross Ganus, Brandon Ganus and Jordan Ganus.. ...

FLORISSANT - Rebekah Hughes, 25, died Jan. 6, 2003, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in North St. Louis County. Born July 23, 1977, in Dexter, daughter of Jim and Susan Gunn Hughes of Jackson, she was a former resident of Pauls Valley, Okla., where she graduated from Pauls Valley High School. ...

DEXTER - Frankie Ray Hunsperger, 45, died Jan. 7, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Jan. 21, 1957, in Wyatt, son of Frank and Rita Turner Hunsperger of Dexter, he lived in East Prairie before moving to Dexter in 1973 and was employed by Ames Manufacturing in Bernie...

ADVANCE - Lucille Donley, 78, died Jan. 6, 2003, at the Advance Nursing Center. Born Sept. 16, 1924, in Bloomfield, daughter of the late Ernest and Ella Elmore Donley, she lived in the Advance community most of her life, where she had been employed by the Inland Shoe Factory...

DUDLEY - Steve Ray Brown, 32, died Jan. 6, 2003, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Dudley. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

PUXICO - Deen Esarey, 81, died Jan. 9, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Dec. 13, 1921, at Bernie, son of the late Richard Deen and Anna May Barks Esarey, he had lived in Puxico most of his life and retired as a livestock and row crop farmer...

SIKESTON - James Ray Carter, 55, died Jan. 2, 2003, at his home. Born Aug. 31, 1947, in East Prairie, son of the late Elzie and Ethel Mae Kilgo Carter, he was a member of the Miner Baptist Church. Survivors include: five brothers, Junior Carter of Missouri, Wesley Carter, Charlie Carter and Steven Carter of Sikeston and Donald Carter of Kentucky; and two sisters, Ethel Louise Urby and Geraldine Willis of East Prairie...

NEW MADRID - Rubel Hayes, 75, died Jan. 6, 2002, at Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid. Born June 7, 1927, in Marston, she was the daughter of the late Rev. David and Della Cane Richards. Survivors include: one daughter, Norma Jean Richards of New Madrid; and several nieces and nephews...

BARDWELL, Ky. - Inez Pearson Shoffner, 85, formerly of East Prairie, Mo., died at 10:10 a.m. Jan. 8, 2003, at the Countryside Health Care Center in Bardwell. Born July 12, 1917, in New Albany, Miss., daughter of the late Mark Hugh and Willa Vaughn Pearson, she lived in the East Prairie area most of her life, where she was a member of the First Baptist Church. She lived in Bardwell for the past five years...

DUDLEY - Steven R. Brown, 32, formerly of Broseley, died Jan. 6, 2003, near Dudley, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born Jan. 31, 1970, in Dexter, son of John W. Brown of Dudley and the late Patricia Gale Martin Brown, he was a truck driver with WW Transport...

EAST PRAIRIE - Ernest Easley, 81, died Jan. 8, 2002, at the Bertrand Nursing Facility. Born Feb. 19, 1921, in Mayfield, Ky., son of the late Josie Ray and Oscar T. Easley, he was a timber cutter before retiring and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II...

NEW MADRID - Rubel Hayes, 75, died Jan. 6, 2003, at Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid. Born June 7, 1927, in Marston, she was the daughter of the late Rev. David and Della Cane Richards. Survivors include: one daughter, Norma Jean Richards of New Madrid; and several nieces and nephews...

HOWARDVILLE - Robert T. Jones, 77, died Jan. 6, 2003, at his home. Born June 5, 1925, in Mississippi, he was the son of the late Anthony and Rosie Jones. His wife, Q.B. Jones, survives of the home. Other survivors include: four sons, Robert T. Jones Jr. ...

SIKESTON - Reba Ryan, 78, died Jan. 9, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Steven R. Brown, 32, who died Jan. 6, 2003, were: Eric Smothers, Phil Vied, Steve Hardcastle, Travis Foulk, Bobby Trout and Mike Pry.

DETROIT - Alice Misouria, 74, formerly of Lilbourn, Mo., died Jan. 6, 2003, at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Born Feb. 8, 1928, she was the daughter of the late John and Chloria Misouria. Survivors include: one son, Robert Blackman of Rockford, Ill.; three daughters, Clora Williams and Doris Misouria of Detroit and Mary Misouria of Howardville, Mo.; one brother, Sammie Misouria of New Madrid, Mo.; two sisters, Lee Misouria of Howardville and Theresa Ivory of Detroit; and eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.. ...

PORTAGEVILLE - Mattie Francis Gribble, 87, died Jan. 9, 2003, at her home. Born May 26, 1915, in Rutherford, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Sam and Liddie Savage White. On May 21, 1932, in Hickman, Ky., she married Tom Gribble who preceded her in death on March 10, 1983...

CHAFFEE - Reva I. Hood, 88, died at 5:35 p.m. Jan. 9, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born March 25, 1914, in Grandin, daughter of the late Joseph and Minnie Myrick McDowell, she owned and operated Hood's Sewing Center before retiring and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chaffee...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Elizabeth June Maxwell, 83, of Poplar Bluff and formerly of Sikeston, were: Randy Nidey, Norman Nidey Bob Decker, Bobby Chaka, Sam Keller and Carl Krieg.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted today at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Frank Hunsperger, 45, who died Jan. 7, 2003, were: Justin Hunsperger, Travis Burnett, Ray Turnbow, Tommy Stafford, Brandon Rice and Jason Josupaite.

EAST PRAIRIE - Ernest Easley, 81, died Jan. 8, 2003, at the Bertrand Nursing Facility. Born Feb. 19, 1921, in Mayfield, Ky., son of the late Josie Ray and Oscar T. Easley, he was a timber cutter before retiring and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Alan Reece Stroup, 27, died at 2:18 a.m. Jan. 10, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born Nov. 11, 1975, in Cape Girardeau, son of Randy Stroup of Chaffee and Janice Thomas of Jacksonville, N.C., he was an aircraft mechanic for the Sabreliner Corporation in Perryville. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years and had attained the rank of sergeant...

CHARLESTON - Geneva Moore, 69, died Jan. 9, 2003, at her home. Born Jan. 19, 1933, in Charleston, daughter of the late Edward and Flora Bell Wilkerson Moore, she was a lifelong resident of Charleston where she attended Lincoln School. She worked at the Charleston Manor for more than 25 years and was a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church, where she served on the Mothers Board...

DEXTER - Billy D. Kidd Sr., 54, died Jan. 10, 2003, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. Born June 3, 1948, at Dexter, son of the late Donald and Ruth Dixon Kidd, he had lived his entire life in Dexter and was employed 34 years as a cable splicer for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. ...

CHARLESTON - Mark Alton Bone, 35, died Jan. 10, 2003, at his home. Born Oct. 29, 1967, in Charleston, son of the late Tooney Hale and Wanda Pauline Vinson Bone, he was a lifelong resident of Charleston and had been a self-employed mechanic. On Feb. 20, 1988, he married Leigh Ann Powell who survives of the home...

SIKESTON - Reba Ellison Ryan, 78, died Jan. 9, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born April 3, 1924, in Lawrenceburg, Tenn., daughter of the late Ruben McClellan and Martha Lindsey Ellison, she was a member of North Acres General Baptist Church. She worked for the International Shoe Factory and was co-owner of Ryan Construction before retiring...

SCOTT CITY - Laura Bernece Foulk, 82, died at 1:41 p.m. Jan. 10, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born April 24, 1920, at Avert, daughter of the late Arthur M. and Grace Robey Lipe, she was employed as a seamstress at Ely Walker Company and was a member of New Life Gospel Center in Scott City...

SIKESTON - Barbara Baldwin, 62, died Jan. 13, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home.

ELLSINORE - Alvie O. Crabtree, 93, died Jan. 13, 2003, at Three Rivers Healthcare South Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born June 3, 1909, in Obion County, Tenn., son of the late Eugene Henry and Dessie Huey Crabtree, he lived in St. Louis for many years and was a resident of Dexter from 1972-2000. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he retired from Carter Carburetor and was a member of the Southwest Church of the Nazarene in Dexter...

MALDEN - David Ray Ferguson, 62, died Jan. 12, 2003, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Born Oct. 15, 1940, in Three Way Inn, Ark., son of the late William Howell and Ida Minnie Thacker Ferguson, he was an auxiliary police officer and former gun shop owner. He was a member of the Spoonerville Baptist Church in Malden...

SIKESTON - Mary Jane Smith Nunnelee, 64, died Jan. 13, 2003, at her home. Born Sept. 23, 1938, in Lilbourn, daughter of the late James Howard and Martha Lucille Campbell Ward, she was of the Baptist belief and was a front desk clerk for the Best Western Coach House Inn before retiring...

ORAN - Mary Tidwell Vandiver Crowe, 51, died at 5:05 a.m. Jan. 13, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, following an extended illness. Born May 2, 1951, in Fayette County, Ala., daughter of the late Bersie Lee and Clara May Tucker Tidwell, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Canalou and was a certified nurse aide before retiring...

LAMAR, Ark. - Vivian Cook Rowbotham, 87, died Jan. 12, 2003, at the Countryside Manor Nursing Home. Born Jan. 17, 1915, in Lamar, she was the daughter of the late Walter C. and Clara Etta Pearson Cook. In 1936, she married Woodrow L. Rowbotham who preceded her in death on Aug. 15, 1984...

LILBOURN - Howard H. Tillman, 89, died Jan. 12, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born July 16, 1913, in Okolona, Ark., son of the late Joseph Edmond and Blanche Stewart Tillman, he was a member of the Methodist Church in Lilbourn and retired as a self-employed farmer...

BERNIE - R.B. Woods Jr., 74, died Jan. 11, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Aug. 9, 1928, at Bernie, son of the late Roy Bickford and Elsie Dora Slayton Woods Sr., he was an elder in the Community of Christ Church in Bernie, where he had served as district president for the church. ...

EAST PRAIRIE - Vester Lorene Guthrie, 83, died at 5:05 p.m. Jan. 12, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Nov. 6, 1919, in Marshall County, Ala., daughter of the late Syera Sanders and Rosie Bell Helton Guffey, she was engaged in farming with her husband prior to moving to East Prairie. A member of the Free Holiness Church in Swearengin, Ala., she attended Southside General Baptist Church in Charleston and was a home care worker until her retirement...

CHARLESTON - Opal R. Ashley, 81, died Jan. 14, 2003, at the Sparta Community Hospital in Sparta, Ill. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Tuesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Billy D. Kidd Sr., 54 who died Jan. 10, 2003, were: Jim Caskey, Bill Miranda, David Montgomery, Bruce Walker, Chuck Fann and Randy Terry. Honorary pallbearers were: Bernard Pixley, Bill Gillespie, Freddie Ridenour, Gary Hessling and Herman Beyerbach...

DEXTER - Genevieve "Jeanie" Stephens, 64, died Jan. 14, 2003, at her home. Born Dec. 26, 1938, in Miami, Ariz., daughter of the late Maurice Edgar Carpenter of Chino, Calif., and the late Anselma Gil Carpenter, she lived in St. Louis before moving to Dexter in 1980. She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and was a sales clerk for Jimmy's Jewelry and More...

COULTERVILLE, Ill. - Opal R. Ashley, 81, formerly of Charleston, Mo., died at 12:20 a.m. Jan. 14, 2003, at the Sparta Community Hospital in Sparta. Born Oct. 24, 1921, in Reno, Ark., daughter of the late Jasper McDonald "Mack" and Velma Catherine Mitchell Williams, she lived in Charleston most of her life, where she was a member of Southside Baptist Church and taught Sunday school classes for many years. ...

BATESVILLE, Ark. - Helen Hillhouse Robins, 93, died Jan. 13, 2003, at a hospital in Batesville. Born Jan. 5, 1910, in Jessup, daughter of the late Ben and Bernice Baker, she lived in Phoenix, Ariz., for 40 years where she was an office manager of a dry cleaning store before retiring. She moved to Batesville in 1975 where she was a member of the Harrison Street Church of Christ...

BERNIE -- Maxine Oheren, 89, died Jan. 16, 2003, at the Baptist Health Hospital in Little Rock, Ark. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

DALLAS -- Michael Williams, 46, formerly of Portageville, Mo., died Jan. 15, 2003. Delisle Funeral Home in Portageville is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete at this time.

SIKESTON - Barbara Baldwin, 62, died Jan. 13, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born March 13, 1940, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of the late Mervin George and Pauline May Dodds Dietz. On March 12, 1963, she married Jimmie Baldwin who preceded her in death on Nov. 26, 2001...

ADVANCE - Estella M. Hahn, 97, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Jan. 13, 2003, at the Advance Nursing Home. Born Oct. 30, 1905, at Kelso, daughter of the late Louis and Kathryn Heisserer Burger, she retired in 1967 from the St. Francis Medical Center Laundry Department in Cape Girardeau. A former member of St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Mary's Quilting Club in Cape Girardeau, she was currently a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Council of Catholic Women and St. Ann's Sodality in Advance...

PUXICO - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Varnell Everett Shrum, 75, who died Jan. 11, 2003, were: Richard Shrum, Vern Shrum, Richard Hawthorne, Billy Stroud, Harold Christian and Carl Griffin.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Ponder Funeral Home for Wanda Scapino Martin, 75, who died Jan. 11, 2003, were: Tom Jennings, Mike Moyers, Mark Crocker, Don Rogers, Barry Wallace and Terry Smith.

DEXTER - Patrick David Rice, 36, died Jan. 14, 2003, at his home. Born March 9, 1966, in Grapevine, Texas, son of George Duran of Dexter and the late Carol Jean Burns Rice, he was employed by Tyson Foods in Dexter and was a member of Smith Avenue Church of God in Sikeston...

LAKEVIEW, Ark. -- Jane Bowman Woehlecke, 67, died Jan. 14, 2003, at the Baxter Regional Medical Center. Born Oct. 30, 1935, in Cape Girardeau, Mo., daughter of the late R. Byron and Ruby Evans Bowman, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she had been a Sunday school teacher and was a member of the United Methodist Women. ...

CHARLESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted at 10 a.m. today at McMikle Funeral Home for Opal R. Williams Ashley, 81, who died Jan. 14, 2003, were: J.E. Sisk, Bill Brashers, Terry Brashers, Dennis Edwards, Rodney Edwards and Rob Robinette.

SIKESTON -- Alpha Plunk, 84, died Jan. 15, 2003, at her home. Born Oct. 29, 1918, in Old Union, Tenn., daughter of the late John and Della Moore Burney, she had worked at the International Shoe Factory in Sikeston, the Garment Factory in New Madrid and later was a presser at the Grove Company in Sikeston before retiring. She was of the Baptist belief...

SIKESTON -- James Thomas Boston, 76, died at 11:49 a.m. Jan. 15, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born May 3, 1926, in Sikeston, son of the late John C. and Nettie Ann Cauthran Boston, he was a member of the Miner Baptist Church and had been a line superintendent for R.E.A. in Sikeston. He was a corporal in the U.S. Army Air Corps...

EAST PRAIRIE - Rex Martin Shankle, 87, of rural East Prairie, died at 4:10 p.m. Jan. 16, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 24, 1915, in Tipton County, Ky., son of the late Carry and Annie Mae Stiver Shankle, he lived in Mississippi County most of his life. He retired from Inland Oil and Transport Company and was a member of the Church of Christ in Charleston...

SCOTT CITY - Harold Edwin Sprenger, 87, died at 5:30 a.m. Jan. 15, 2003, at his home. Born July 5, 1915, at Illmo, son of the late August and Amanda Ristig Sprenger, he was a farmer and member of the Eisleben Lutheran Church in Scott City. On March 24, 1940, at Illmo, he married Eileen Alwine Emile Sprenger who preceded him in death Feb. 3, 2000...

SIKESTON - Larry Davis, 43, died Jan. 12, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Sept. 13, 1959, in Charleston, he was the son of Henry Miles Davis of Sikeston and the late Sonya M. Long. Other survivors include: 10 brothers, Bobby Davis of Sikeston, Keith Long, Danny Ray Long, Freddie Long and Jamie Long of Cape Girardeau, Tim Davis, Gregory Davis and Wilbourn McCain of Charleston, Kerry Davis of Florissant and David Davis of Kansas City; and five sisters, Barbara Jackson, Sheila Long and Valerie Craig of Sikeston and Evonne Cassel and Doris Davis of Charleston.. ...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for James Thomas Boston, 76, who died Jan. 15, 2003, will be: Mike Nelson, Donnie Hennemann, Tony Scudder, Jim Hovis, Jim Cantrell, Glenn Greene, Marty Evans and Joel Evans...

FORT WORTH, Texas - Michael Wayne Williams, 46, died Jan. 15, 2003, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Dallas. Born Feb. 26, 1956, in Hayti, he was the son of Mary Williams Buck of Portageville, Mo., and the late Joseph Edwards William. Other survivors include: one son, Brandon Williams of Tucson, Ariz.; one daughter, Heather Bungarner of Fort Worth; one brother, James Doyle Williams of Springtown; one sister, Reba Ann Dill of Manila, Ark.; and two grandchildren...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Helen Maxine O'Heren, 89, died Jan. 16, 2003, at the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. Born April 6, 1913, in Bernie, Mo., she was the daughter of the late Roy Bickford and Elsie Dora Slayton Woods Sr. On Feb. 17, 1932, in Piggott, Ark., she married William Moy O'Heren who preceded her in death on Dec. 17, 1970...

NEW MADRID - Beatrice J. McCoy, 85, died Jan. 11, 2003, at the Foote Hospital in Jackson, Mich. Born July 14, 1917, in New Madrid, daughter of the late Jerry Jordan and Harriett Wilkerson, she was a member of the CME Church in New Madrid where she served as an usher...

PARMA - Marion Frank Bates, 78, died Jan. 15, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 16, 1924, in Blytheville, Ark., son of the late John and Mary Katherine Burnett Bates, he was a retired farmer and member of the Parma General Baptist Church, Masonic Lodge 212, the Scottish Rite and was also a Shriner...

ADVANCE - Joseph E. Scherer, 59, died Jan. 16, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born April 14, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, son of the late Joseph and Bertha Glastetter Scherer, he retired from the Little Drainage District. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and was of the Jehovah's Witness belief...

BERNIE - Winnia Faye Rush, 63, of rural Bernie, died Jan. 16, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Jan. 2, 1940, in Winston County, Ala., she was the daughter of the late William Travis and Laveda Sewell Garrison. On June 30, 1956, in Kennett, she married John Rush who survives of the home...

SCOTT CITY - James "Holly" Adams, 84, died at 4:27 a.m. Jan. 16, 2003, at the Jackson Manor in Jackson. Born Nov. 14, 1918, in Fornfelt, son of the late James and Laura Adams, he was a railroad engineer with the Cotton Belt-Southern Pacific Railroad and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of H.O. Grauel Masonic Lodge 672 and 32nd degree Mason with the Scottish Rite in St. Louis, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and VFW Post 3838 and Elks Lodge 639 in Cape Girardeau...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Ponder Funeral Home for Alpha Plunk, 84, who died Jan. 15, 2003, will be: Steve Plunk, Scott Plunk, Mike Cook, Corey Kelso, Trey Noles and Wade Lawrence. The Rev. Marvin Graham will officiate...

ARLINGTON, Texas - Guy William Woodard, 81, formerly of East Prairie, Mo., died at 4:18 p.m. Jan. 17, 2003, at the Arlington Memorial Hospital. Born July 24, 1921, in Wolf Island, Mo., son of the late Guy and Nellie Britt Woodard, he was a member of the Nelson Memorial Methodist Church, where he served on the board, and had also served several terms as councilman for the City of East Prairie. ...

BLOOMFIELD - James R. Pflasterer, 51, died Jan. 17, 2002, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born April 18, 1951, in Red Bud, Ill., son of the late Genevieve Pflasterer, he was a retired construction worker and of the Baptist belief. On Sept. 3, 1978, at Tilden, Ill., he married Linda Hargis who survives of the home...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Alvie O. Crabtree, 93, who died Jan. 13, 2003, were: Brian Crabtree, David Crabtree, Steve Newman, Kevin Elsworth, Jason Hamilton and Joshua Hamilton. Honorary pallbearers were: Rodney Newman, Cody Newman, Jerry Smith, Reggie Elsworth and Joshua Elsworth...

EAST PRAIRIE - Victor Eaves, 53, died Jan. 18, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

EAST PRAIRIE - Rex Martin Shankle, 87, of rural East Prairie, died at 4:10 p.m. Jan. 16, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 24, 1915, in Tipton County, Tenn., son of the late Carry and Annie Mae Stiver Shankle, he lived in Mississippi County most of his life. He retired from Inland Oil and Transport Company and was a member of the Church of Christ in Charleston...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Genevieve "Jeanie" Stephens, 64, who died Jan. 14, 2003, were: Thomas Stephens, Charles Stephens, Christopher Stephens, Dewayne Stoner, David Ashby and Derreck Ashby...

DEXTER - Berniece Durham, 76, died Jan. 19, 2003, at the Cypress Point Health Care Center. Born May 27, 1926, at Lesterville, daughter of the late Samuel and Emma Lee Lewis, she had been employed by the Purolator Filter Company in Dexter and was of the Baptist belief...

EAST PRAIRIE - Victor Eaves, 53, died at 8:55 a.m. Jan. 18, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Oct. 13, 1949, in New Madrid County, son of the late James Carlos and Sarah Kate Palmer Eaves, he lived in East Prairie most of his life. ...

PORTAGEVILLE - Virgil L. "Jack" Estes, 94, died Jan. 19, 2003, at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in Kennett. Born Nov. 16, 1908, in Portageville, he was the son of the late Dege Franklin and Susie Elizabeth Welch Estes. On March 25, 1948, he married Mary M. Simmons who preceded him in death on Feb. 23, 1993...

CHARLESTON - Marion Russell Butler, 62, died at 7 a.m. Jan. 19, 2003, at the Bertrand Nursing Facility. Born July 17, 1940, in Cairo, Ill., son of Afton E. Ollis Butler of Tyler, Texas, and the late Scott R. Butler, he lived in Charleston most of his life and was a retired truck driver. He was a member of the Assembly of God Church...

BERNIE - Helen Maxine O'Heren, 89, died Jan. 16, 2003, at the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Ark. Born April 6, 1913, in Bernie, she was the daughter of the late Roy Bickford and Elsie Dora Slayton Woods Sr. On Feb. 17, 1932, at Piggott, Ark., she married William Moy O'Heren who preceded her in death on Dec. 17, 1970...

SIKESTON - Johnsy Minyon Holt, 86, died at 10:06 a.m. Jan. 19, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Oct. 24, 1916, in Blodgett, daughter of the late Charles M. and Nettie Fisher Turner, she had been a presser for Faultless Cleaners and also worked in the laundry department at the Ramada Inn in Miner...

CHARLESTON - Richard W. Whitehead, 53, died at 11 a.m. Jan. 18, 2003, at the Bertrand Retirement Center. Born Dec. 13, 1949, in Mississippi County, son of the late William C. and Lucy Pauline Farmer Whitehead, he was a lifelong resident of Charleston and member of the United Methodist Church...

PORTAGEVILLE - Grace Evelyn Horn, 82, died Jan. 18, 2003, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Born June 28, 1920, in Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Monroe and Maggie McDowell Hampton. On Nov. 11, 1937, in Portageville, she married A.S. "Slim" Horn who preceded her in death on June 8, 1995...

PORTAGEVILLE - Barbara Pind, 49, died Jan. 20, 2003, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home.

CHAFFEE - Jeffrey Frank Pobst, 43, died at 12:05 a.m. Jan. 20, 2003, at his home. Born Nov. 11, 1959, in Cape Girardeau, son of Gary F. and Anne Evans Pobst of Oran, he was employed by Richards Trucking Company in Cape Girardeau. He was of the Catholic belief...

DUDLEY - John Hagy Sr., 85, died Jan. 19, 2003, at Three Rivers Healthcare North Campus in Poplar Bluff. Born May 2, 1917, in Dexter, son of the late Joseph Greene and Nellie Belle Garner Hagy, he lived in the Dudley and Dexter communities all his life and attended the Church of God in Dudley...

BERTRAND - Anna May Cook, 88, formerly of St. Charles, died at 6:30 a.m. Jan. 21, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

SIKESTON - Alice Marie Figley Decker, 75, died at 9:22 a.m. Jan. 20, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Aug. 30, 1927, in Shade Switch, daughter of the late Finch and Zelma Pelham Frankum, she was a member of the First United Pentecostal Church in Sikeston...

SIKESTON - Charles "C.M." Hannah, 89, died Jan. 18, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born March 7, 1913, in Sikeston, son of the late Sarah Carpenter Hannah, he was a lifelong resident of Sikeston. He was a retired farmer and member of the Church of Christ in Sikeston...

CONRAN - Sheila Louise Riddick Pikey, 58, died unexpectedly Jan. 20, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 2, 1944, in Hayward, daughter of Douglas and Margie Tanner Riddick of Portageville, she was a graduate of Stephens College in Columbia and Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Portageville, the church choir and the United Methodist Women's organization...

SIKESTON - Jerry Winberry, 54, died at 7:18 p.m. Jan. 21, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

BERTRAND - Anna May Cook, 88, formerly of St. Charles, died at 6:30 a.m. Jan. 21, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Dec. 17, 1914, in Athens, Ohio, daughter of the late Otto and Marie Meyer Delk, she lived in St. Charles most of her life and was of the Catholic belief...

ADVANCE - Linda "Marie" Winchester, 64, died Jan. 20, 2003, at her home. Born May 4, 1938, in Cumberlin City, Tenn., daughter of Bertie Lee Pulley Smith of Advance and the late Robert W. Smith, she was a retired licensed practical nurse and member of the Dongola Friendship Baptist Church...

DIEHLSTADT - Vaudie H. Roberts, 86, formerly of Sikeston, died at 5:54 p.m. Jan. 22, 2003, at the Monticello House in Jackson. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

DEXTER - Lucille Elizabeth Sheley, 87, formerly of Jefferson City, died Jan. 21, 2003, at the Cypress Point Health Center. Born Nov. 30, 1915, in Jefferson City, daughter of the late A.F. "Spot" and Mary Margaret Rafe Renn, she was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dexter and former member of Immaculate Conception Church in Jefferson City. ...

SIKESTON - Jerry Franklin Winberry, 54, died at 7:18 p.m. Jan. 21, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born March 15, 1948, in Stanton, Tenn., son of the late Joseph and Mary Barrett Winberry, he was a member of Murray Lane Baptist Church. He owned and operated the Cut Hut Hair Salon for 28 years...

SCOTT CITY- Austyn James Willey, son of Alexis James Willey and Amanda Jo Gray of Scott City, died at birth Jan. 21, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Other survivors include: paternal grandparents Dennis and Lisa Willey of Eldon and Cliff and Stacie Hester of Scott City; maternal grandparents, Jimmy Gray and Paula Gray of Scott City; paternal great-grandparents, Merle Miles of Bethel and Hazel Scott of Irving, Texas; and his maternal great-grandmother, Josephine Gray of Scott City.. ...

PORTAGEVILLE - Barbara Pind, 49, died unexpectedly Jan. 20, 2003, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Born Nov. 1, 1953, in Hayti, she was the daughter of Jack Young of Portageville and the late Helen House Young. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Sarah Kathleen Pind in 1992...

MORLEY - Dorothy Nell Foister, 83, died at 1 p.m. Jan. 22, 2003, at the Fountainbleau Lodge in Cape Girardeau. Born July 29, 1919, in Morley, daughter of the late Albert and Martha Ella Ragland Parker, she was a member of the Morley Baptist Church. On Oct. 17, 1939, she married George Willis Foister who preceded her in death on Jan. 20, 1978...

BERNIE - Eugene Hathaway, 80, died Jan. 22, 2003, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Malden. Born March 18, 1922, in Bernie, son of the late William and Dora Melvina Riddle Hathaway, he was a retired farmer and member of the Word of Faith Christian Center in Bernie...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for John Hagy Sr., 85, who died Jan. 19, 2003, were: Earl Hagy, Ervin Williamson, Earl Hagy Jr., Oliver Hagy, Joe Hagy, William Darby, Alfred Hagy and Jerry Von Ruedgisch...

STURGIS, Miss. - John L. Ransburgh, 90, died Jan. 21, 2003, at the Optimum Personal Care Center in Houston, Texas. A native of New Madrid, Mo., he retired as a commercial construction superintendent and was a member of the Sturgis United Methodist Church...

JACKSON -- Vaudie Hazel Roberts, 86, formerly of Sikeston and Diehlstadt, died Jan. 22, 2003, at the Monticello House in Jackson. Born March 1, 1916, in Jasper, Ala., daughter of the late Henry Irvin and Martha Jane Simmons Aldridge, she was a former member of Smith Avenue Church of God in Sikeston. She was also a former member of the Circle City Church of God, where her husband had served as pastor...

MEMPHIS -- Myra F. Ransburgh, 97, formerly of Portageville, Mo., died Jan. 24, 2003, at the Methodist Lebohner Hospital in Germantown. Arrangements are incomplete at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid.

SIKESTON -- Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Jerry Franklin Winberry, 54, who died Jan. 21, 2003, will be: Jerry Winberry Jr. Mike Day, Steve Williams, Danny Winberry, Ben Wrather and Chris Mattingly.

ZALMA - James C. Merchant, 78, died Jan. 24, 2003, at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Born May 9, 1924, to the late William and May Crowder Merchant, he was a former resident of Madison, Ill., before moving to Zalma 13 years ago. A retired maintenance man for Marhan trucking in Madison, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services for Vaudie Hazel Roberts, 86, formerly of Sikeston and Diehlstadt, who died Jan. 22, 2003, at the Monticello House in Jackson, will be Jerry Roberts, Larry Roberts, Tom Davenport, Vince Horton and Jason Lewis. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Nunnelee Funeral Chapel until time for services at 11 a.m. Monday...

CAIRO, Ill. - Charles Allen Hall, 64, died Jan. 24, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

BLOOMFIELD - William Norton "Dude" Evans, 84, died at 11 p.m. Jan. 24, 2003, at the John Cochran Veterans Medical Center in St. Louis. Born March 31, 1918, at Hickman, Ky., to the late William and Nettie Lee Johnston Evans, he had lived in the East Prairie area most of his life, moving to Bloomfield in 1979. A member of the First Christian Church in East Prairie, he was a retired farmer and machinist and was a U.S. Army veteran serving in World War II...

MEMPHIS -- Myra F. Ransburgh, 97, formerly of Portageville, Mo., died Jan. 24, 2003, at the Methodist Lebohner Hospital in Germantown. Born Dec. 4, 1905, at Hickman, Ky., daughter of the late Myra Robbins and Alexander Allan Faris Jr., she was a housewife...

BERNIE - James Glen McGhee, 82, died Jan. 24, 2003, in the St. Joseph Health Care Center in St. Charles. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

MURRAY, Ky. - Lindell Franklin Bagley, 94, died at 10:04 a.m. Jan. 24, 2003, at Lakeway Shores in Murray, Ky. Born Nov. 20, 1908, in Charelston, Mo., to the late Ira Dow Bagley and Florence Idell Crenshaw Bagley, he graduated from Oran (Mo.) High School. ...

MURRAY, Ky. - Lindell Franklin Bagley, 94, died at 10:04 a.m. Jan. 24, 2003, at Lakeway Shores in Murray, Ky. Born Nov. 20, 1908, in Charelston, Mo., to the late Ira Dow Bagley and Florence Idell Crenshaw Bagley, he graduated from Oran (Mo.) High School. ...

CHARLESTON - Charlene Kunz Hillhouse, 81, died at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 24, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Aug. 7, 1921, in Wyatt, daughter of the late Charles Anthony and Anna Lee Hutcheson Kunz, she lived her entire life in Mississippi County and was a member of the Wyatt United Methodist Church...

NEW MADRID -- Nolin "Ed" Desmore, 79, died Jan. 24, 2003, at his home. Born Sept. 28, 1923, in Marston, son of the late Mae Beardsley and Nolin E. Desmore, he worked in vending sales. On March 17, 1989, in Millington, Tenn., he married Shelby Savat who survives of the home...

SIKESTON - William Dwight Jones, 74, of Sikeston Route 3 died at 5:35 a.m. Jan. 25, 2003, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born March 22, 1928, in Sikeston to Annell Lee Lambert Jones, who survives of Sikeston, and the late William Wood Jones, he was affiliated with the Church of Christ and was a self-employed farmer. A member of the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, he was a member of the American Legion Post 114 and Eagles Aerie 3319 in Sikeston...

BLOOMFIELD - Dolly Farmer, 89, died Jan. 25, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born July 4, 1913, in Senath, daughter of the late Isaac Cecil and Noah Ward Wilson, she was a member of the Senath Church of Christ. On Oct. 5, 1932, in Paragould, Ark., she married Hershel Truman "Jack" Farmer who preceded her in death on Oct. 29, 1985...

NEW MADRID - Clyde E. "Barney" Kimball, 91, died Jan. 25, 2003, at Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid. Born Jan. 26, 1911, in New Madrid, son of the late James "Barney" and Myrtle Fisher Kimball, he served with the Portageville Fire Department and was a former member of the Knights of Columbus in Portageville. ...

BERNIE - James Glen McGhee, 82, formerly of Poplar Bluff and Piggott, Ark., died Jan. 24, 2003, at St. Joseph Health Care in St. Charles. Born March 7, 1920, at Piggott, son of the late Guy and Ida Boyd McGhee, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Piggott and was a carpenter before retiring...

ST. LOUIS - Thomas Michael King, 60, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Jan. 25, 2003, in St. Louis. Born Jan. 20, 1943, in New Madrid, he was the son of Thelma King of New Madrid and the late Robert King. Survivors in addition to his mother include: one son, Matt David King of Birmingham, Ala.; one daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Alan Douglas of Sikeston; five brothers and three sisters-in-law, Bob and Mary King of Manchester, Harry and Angela King and Richard King of New Madrid, Jimmy and Vicki King of Lilbourn and Joe King of Las Vegas, Nev.; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Beth and Mike Mapes of Cape Girardeau, Susan and Mike Totty of Arlington, Texas, and Mary Linda and Ken King of San Jose, Calif.; and two granddaughters, Brandi Douglas of Sikeston and Jessi Ann King of Birmingham; and a special friend, Tony Kalbac of St. ...

BENTON - Alpha Faye Freeman, 93, died at 1:55 p.m. Jan. 26, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born April 5, 1909, in Center Ridge, Ark., daughter of the late Benjamin Harrison and Nutie Halbrook Bryant, she was a member of the Morley Church of Christ...

ESSEX - James C. Ross, 77, died Jan. 25, 2003, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born March 23, 1925, in Detroit, Mich., son of the late James P. and Eunice Corlew Ross, he was a member of the A.R.K. of Hope Church near Dexter. A retired farmer and businessman, he was a member of the Essex Masonic Lodge and the American Legion. ...

SIKESTON - Clyde L. "Peck" Wisdom, 73, died Jan. 25, 2003, at Hunter Acres Caring Center. Born Feb. 10, 1929, in Crowder, son of the late Hoy and Luttie Whitesell Wisdom, he was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Sikeston. He was a newspaper distributor for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Southeast Missourian in Cape Girardeau, The Commercial Appeal, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal...

SCOTT CITY - Sydney Alan Stroup, son of Glendon Ray and Erica Susan Partin Stroup, died at birth at 12:53 p.m. Jan. 24, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Other survivors include: one sister, Rylee Stroup of Scott City; maternal grandparents, Ben and Liana Partin of Scott City; paternal grandparents, Randy and Deb Stroup of Chaffee and Janice and Edward Thomas of Jacksonville, N.C.; maternal great-grandparents, Joe and Billie Minor of Chaffee; paternal great-grandmother, Jeanie Stroup of Chaffee; and his paternal great-great-grandmother, Mabel Alston of Chaffee.. ...

CAIRO, Ill. - Charles Allen Hall, 64, died Jan. 24, 2003, at his home. Born Aug. 11, 1938, in Hickman, Ky., son of the late Thurman and Christine Coffee Hall, he was a machinist for Milco Manufacturing for more than 20 years before retiring. He was of the Baptist belief and a veteran of the U.S. Army...

SIKESTON - Claudette Delores Blackburn Newton, 59, died Jan. 26, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

BENTON - James J. "Jack" Sneed, 89, died at 5:50 p.m. Jan. 25, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 18, 1913, in Tulu, Ky., son of the late Thomas Jefferson and Sarah Elizabeth Rogers Sneed, he was a retired farmer and member of St. Denis Catholic Church and the Chamber of Commerce in Benton...

CHAFFEE - Mary Helen Thomson, 89, died at 3:06 a.m. Jan. 26, 2003, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born Aug. 22, 1913, in Chaffee, daughter of the late William Brown and Ara Finley Thomson, she retired as a news reporter for the Southeast Missourian in Cape Girardeau. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and Chapter CX of PEO Sisterhood, all in Chaffee...

EAST PRAIRIE - Etchell Matthews, 76, died at 12:18 p.m. Jan. 26, 2003, at the John Cochran Veterans Administration Medical Center in St. Louis. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Clint Hensley, 77, died Jan. 27, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

LILBOURN - Jennie Tims, 81, died Jan. 25, 2003, at Sells Rest Home in Matthews. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Lilbourn.

DEXTER - Lora F. Bess, 95, died Jan. 26, 2003, at Cypress Point Health Care. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

CHARLESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at the Wyattt United Methodist Church for Charlene Kunz Hillhouse, 81, who died Jan. 24, 2003, were: her grandsons, Benjamin Hillhouse, Clayton Hillhouse, Christopher Layton, David Finney and Daniel Finney; and her cousin Richard Hutcheson...

LILBOURN - Jennie Tims, 81, died Jan. 25, 2003, at Sells Rest Home in Matthews. Born Jan. 13, 1922, in Delbert, daughter of the late Fred and Kathryn "Katie" Crosno, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lilbourn. Her husband, Winford Tims, preceded her in death...

SIKESTON - Delores Blackburn Newton, 59, passed on to be with the Lord on Jan. 26, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born June 21, 1943, in Charleston, daughter of the late Marion and Evelyn Delk Blackburn, she lived in Charleston until moving to Sikeston as a young girl and graduated in 1962 from Sikeston High School...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted at 10:30 a.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for William Dwight Jones, 74, who died Jan. 25, 2003, were: Darrell Ray, Jim Ray, Tony Womack, Gene Jones, Jim Toschi, Robbie Jones, Frank Brown and Paul Downing...

DEXTER - Lora Frances Bess, 95, died Jan. 26, 2003, at Cypress Point Health Care. Born April 6, 1907, at Palisade, Neb., daughter of the late Harvey Hamilton and Anna Mae McNeil Harrah, she was a member of the First Christian Church in Dexter and retired as a seamstress with Elder Manufacturing...

DEXTER - Lawrence Pflasterer, 68, formerly of Tilden, Ill., died Jan. 26, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born April 2, 1934, in Liberty Grove Township, Ill., son of the late George and Daisy Chappel Pflasterer, he retired as an officer with the Pinckneyville (Ill.) Police Department and served with the U.S. Army for five years. He was a member of the Clairman (Ill.) General Baptist Church and Game Cock Breeders Association of America...

RISCO - Donna Sue Adams, 65, died Jan. 27, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Jan. 2, 1938, in Risco, daughter of the late William F. and Minnie Gilbow Warth, she was a member of the Pleasant View Baptist Church in Risco. In June 1979 at Risco, she married Hershel Leroy Adams who preceded her in death in March 1988...

NIXA - Sherrill E. "Al" Alfultis, 59, died at 4 a.m. Jan. 26, 2003, following an extended illness. Born June 26, 1943, in Sikeston, son of Helen Duncan Alfultis Gambill of St. Louis and the late Morris Alfultis, he was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and recipient of Army decorations. He was a drag strip racer and award winning fishing guide...

SIKESTON - Clint McKenzie Hensley Sr., 77, died at 1:38 a.m. Jan. 27, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 12, 1925, in Linden, Tenn., son of the late Sid and Vera James Hensley, he was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was of the Baptist belief. He owned and operated Hensley Construction Company in Sikeston and was a member of James Tanner Amvets Post 0149 and the Missouri Honorary Sheriff's Association...

EAST PRAIRIE - Etchel Matthews, 76, died at 12:18 p.m. Jan. 26, 2003, at the John Cochran Veterans Administration Medical Center in St. Louis. Born June 4, 1926, in Bertrand, son of the late Lee and Emma Heath Matthews, he was a truck driver in St. Louis for the Jeffco Steel Company and lived in the Dogwood community since 1987. He served in the U.S. Army Tank Division during World War II...

FARMINGTON - Jessie Mitchell Bloom, 96, died Jan. 21, 2003, at the Mineral Area Regional Medical Center. Born March 29, 1906, in Blodgett, daughter of the late Manley and Pearl Stagner, she was a member of the Delassus Baptist Church. Her husband, Louis Bloom, preceded her in death...

SIKESTON - Bobby Pearson, 55, died Jan. 25, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Oct. 21, 1947, in Commerce, son of Woodrow Pearson of Commerce and the late Lillie Mae Allen Pearson, he attended Thomas W. Kelly High School in Benton. He returned to Sikeston after serving in the U.S. Army from 1967-73. Pearson was employed by Noranda Aluminum in New Madrid County for 25 years...

PORTAGEVILLE - Daphna Richardson, 90, died Jan. 27, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Nov. 21, 1912, in Hornbeck, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Avery and Mamie Moore Gardner. On Aug. 22, 1946, in Portageville, she married Paul Delbert Richardson who preceded her in death on Sept. 22, 1980...

SIKESTON - Rachel Loduska Nolley, 90, died at 6:45 a.m. Jan. 29, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Clint Hensley Sr., 77, who died Jan. 27, 2003, were: Kevin Hensley, Chris Hensley, Steve Hadder, Gary Lee Howard, Dink Boes, Mike Cole, Allen Matney, Scott Matney and Clint Hensley III...

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. - Gary R. Waldron, 44, died Jan. 22, 2003, near his home. Born Sept. 15, 1958, son of Grace Waldron, who survives of Oakland Park, Fla., and the late Wayne Waldron, he was a 20-year veteran of the Palm Beach County Fire Department. He was recently assigned to head Station 45 at Delray Beach, where he trained rookie firefighters...

SIKESTON - Ines Nickell, 77, died Jan. 29, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Jan. 23, 1926, in Bernie, daughter of the late Robert and Mary King, she had worked for the International Shoe Company in Sikeston, was a cook for the Country Kitchen at Barkett's and had also been employed by the Florsheim Shoe Company in Cape Girardeau before retiring...

SIKESTON -- Rachel Loduska Nolley, 90, formerly of Kewanee, died at 6:45 a.m. Jan. 29, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born June 16, 1912, in Birmingham, Ala., daughter of the late James Nathaniel and Nancy Jane Bradley, she was a member of the Kewanee Missionary Baptist Church...

HAYWOOD CITY - Louise "Red" Wiley, 74, died Jan. 28, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Feb. 5, 1928, in Shuqualak, Miss., daughter of the late Harry and Lorean Hardin Jones, she lived in Missouri since 1954 and was a member of the New Morning Star Baptist Church in Haywood City...

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. - Mary Collins Hart, 73, passed away Jan. 25, 2003, at her home. She was the widow of Winfred C. Hart, who passed away in 1984. Born in Sikeston, Mo., she was the daughter of William H. Cowan and Julia Cowan Bilderback. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Reburt Burns, Paul Burns, James "Mutt" Burns and William H. Cowan...

SIKESTON - Marcella B. Layton, 83, died Jan. 31, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are pending at Blanchard Funeral Chapel, where visitation is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday. A funeral Mass will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church...

CHAFFEE -- Edward "Cotton" Sadler, 75, died at 6 p.m. Jan. 30, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Visitation begins at 4 p.m. Sunday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee, where services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday.

DEXTER - Edna Betty Hill, 68, died Jan. 29, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born March 2, 1934, in Bugbrooke, England, daughter of the late William Henry and Alice Emily Osborne Sharp, she lived in Dexter for the past 30 years. She was a clerk at Wal-Mart and cook at the Fiddlers Restaurant in Dexter and was a member of the Church of England...

PORTAGEVILLE - Thomas M. Minnis, 86, died at 9:45 p.m. Jan. 30, 2003, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home.

CHARLESTON - Adam Eugene Wright, 46, died at 6:30 a.m. Jan. 31, 2003, at the Charleston Manor. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home.

DIEHLSTADT - Clyda H. Sanders, 97, formerly of Charleston, died at 3 p.m. Jan. 30, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born Sept. 26, 1905, in Diehlstadt, daughter of the late Henry Crawford and Lee Demarius Stone, she lived in Charleston and Diehlstadt most of her life and was a member of the Southern Baptist Church in Diehlstadt. ...

PERKINS - Evelyn L. Irwin, 84, died Jan. 30, 2003, at the Advance Nursing Center. Born Oct. 20, 1918, at Farrenburg, daughter of the late Walter and Sylvia Lane Lenon, she was a postmaster at Perkins for 33 years. On Sept. 3, 1933, at Jackson, she married Charles Irwin who preceded her in death on Jan. 20, 1982...