Obituaries from December 2004

MATTHEWS - James H. "Cub" Tidwell, 67, died Nov. 29, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born July 29, 1937, in Fayette County, Ala., son of the late Bersie and Clara Tucker Tidwell, he was a retired farm laborer and attended the First Baptist Church in Canalou...

SIKESTON - Laura Evelyn Dockins, 82, died at 12:18 p.m. Nov. 30, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Oct. 2, 1922, in West Frankfort, Ill., to the late William Henry and Maggie Mabel Cobb Conner, she worked as a machine operator for 27 years at the International Shoe Factory in Sikeston and for eight years at the Florsheim Shoe Factory in Cape Girardeau retiring in 1986. ...

SCOTT CITY - Deborah Lynn Buchanan, 48, died Dec. 1, 2004, at her home. Born Sept. 24, 1956, in Aurora, Ill., daughter of Harold Vaughn of Oglesby, Ill., and Mary Johnson of Scott City, she was employed in central services for Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau...

DYERSBURG, Tenn. - Lisa Rene Atchley Rodgers, 40, formerly of Sikeston, died Dec. 1, 2004, at the Methodist Healthcare-Dyersburg Hospital. Born April 26, 1964, in Kennett, Mo., she was the daughter of the late Berl and Dorotha Hartsell Atchley. A former employee of Charter Communications in Sikeston, she was manager of the Hoods Discount Home Center in Dyersburg...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Juanita England Welty, 76, who died Nov. 28, 2004, were: Darrell Evans, Bill Perkins, Billy Courter, Shannon England, Robert England and Chris Crocker.

BELL, Fla. - Patricia Ann Fussell, 49, formerly of Chaffee, Mo., died Dec. 1, 2004, at her home. Born Jan. 12, 1955, in Cape Girardeau, Mo., daughter of the late Ollie and Maggie McBride Groves, she had been a truck driver for Advance (Mo.) Express and was a member of VFW Post 3127 Ladies Auxiliary in Chaffee...

PORTAGEVILLE - Merlin Thomas Sr., 73, died Nov. 28, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Jan. 28, 1931, in Covington, Tenn., son of the late Houston and Augusta Thomas, he was a member of Lily of the Valley Freewill Baptist Church and a veteran of the Korean War...

CHARLESTON - Garima Patel, 2, died Nov. 28, 2004, at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan., of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born Jan. 24, 2002, in Sikeston, she was the daughter of Jitendra "Jay" and Dharmista Patel of Charleston...

LILBOURN - George K. Streeter, 80, died Dec. 1, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are inomplete at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Mary Lee Brown, 78, formerly of Southeast Missouri, died Nov. 28, 2004, in Grand Rapids. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville, Mo.

EAST PRAIRIE - Martha Agnes Leech, 94, died Dec. 1, 2004, at her home. Born Aug. 27, 1910, near East Prairie, daughter of the late Joseph Daniel and Ollie Florence roach O'Connor, she was a lifelong resident of Mississippi County. She was employed by the Lyric and Demo Theaters in East Prairie for 36 years and was a member of the First Christian Church in East Prairie...

DEXTER - Willis Conner, 85, died Dec. 2, 2004, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

ADVANCE - Ilene Hitt, 88, died Nov. 30, 2004, at the Advance Nursing Center. Born Jan. 17, 1916, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of the late Comelous and Althea Zimmerman Cox, she was a member of the Advance Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. On June 13, 1936, at Jackson, she married Everett Hitt who preceded her in death on May 15, 2002...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted at 10 a.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Adrian Earl Young, 75, who died Nov. 29, 2004, were: Cecil Owen, Mike Perry, Hubert Allred, Gene Bohannon, Dossie Nance and Charles Shaw.

BURFORDVILLE - Bessie Elizabeth Dudley-Phelps, 76, died Dec. 2, 2004, at her home. Born Sept. 11, 1928, at Randles, daughter of the late Ned Edward and Hazel McComas Menz, she had been employed by the Sports Specialty Shoe Factory and Superior Electric before retiring and was a member of the Lake Girardeau Assembly of God Church...

DEXTER - Willis Conner, 85, died Dec. 2, 2004, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born July 17, 1919, near Dexter, son of the late Calvin and Charlottie Tettaton Conner, served as mayor for the City of Dexter for 35 years. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he owned Willis Conner Insurance and Real Estate in Dexter. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Kiwanis Club in Dexter, Kenady-Hanks Post 59, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Laura Evelyn Dockins, 82, who died Nov. 30, 2004, were: Mike Stone, Mark Hicks, Joel Grace, Matt Brinkman, Brian Dockins and Loy Hicks.

LILBOURN - George Kimbrell Streeter, 80, died Dec. 1, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 11, 1924, in Bentley, Calhoun County, Miss., son of the late William Edmund and Armarie Kimbrell Streeter, he served four years with the U.S. ...

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. - Donald Summers, 76, died Dec. 3, 2004, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie, Mo.

ADVANCE - William "Garner" Dunlap, 90, died Dec. 2, 2004, at Beverly Healthcare in Bloomfield. Born Sept. 23, 1914, in Bell City, son of the late William W. and Myrtle Garner Dunlap, he was a retired farmer and veteran of the U.S. Army. On Dec. 25, 1939, in Bell City, he married Virginia Wealand who preceded him in death in 1984...

SIKESTON - Willie Mae Wiggins, 73, died Dec. 2, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born May 8, 1931, in Famous, Mo., daughter of the late William and Bertha Mae Decker Nicholson, she was a member of Greer's Chapel Baptist Church. She was co-owner and operator of Wiggins Cafe in Sikeston for 30 years before retiring...

DEXTER - Bonnie Ruth Stanfill, 74, died Dec. 4, 2004, at her home. Born July 24, 1930, in Marquand, daughter of the late Dolphin and Myrtle Mae Cureton Starkey, she lived in St. Louis, Bancroft, Mich., and Arizona before moving to Dexter seven years ago. A retired minister, she was a former pastor of the Bancroft Church. She and her husband had served as missionaries in Kingston, Jamaica...

SIKESTON - Charlene Smith Baker, 76, died at 10:59 a.m. Dec. 5, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Dec. 16, 1927, in Formosa, Ark., daughter of the late Claude and Cora Shipley Smith, she was a machine operator for International Shoe and had been a nurse at the old Sikeston Hospital. She lived in Sikeston most of her life and was of the Baptist belief...

WOOD RIVER, Ill. - Carl M. Alley, 63, died at 1:24 p.m. Dec. 1, 2004, in Franklin County, Mo. Born Feb. 20, 1941, in Sikeston, Mo., son of Dorothy Hastings Alley of Sikeston and the late John F. Alley, he was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He owned and operated the Eagle Transportation Company in Wood River...

PORTAGEVILLE - Randal Pullum, 63, died Dec. 5, 2004, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home.

COMMERCE - Velma Josephine Walker, 83, died at 10 p.m. Dec. 6, 2004, at the Fountainbleau Lodge in Cape Girardeau. Born May 4, 1921, in Tennessee, daughter of the late Thomas and Lula Bom Coble, she owned and operated Velma's Place in Commerce. She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventists Church in Cape Girardeau...

DEXTER - Margaret Helen Seeburger, 89, died Dec. 5, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 3, 1915, in Dexter, daughter of the late Richard and Nellie Seeburger, she was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a lifelong resident of Dexter...

COMMERCE - Lester Louis Knight, 63, died at 10:35 p.m. Dec. 5, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 5, 1941, in Scott County, son of the late Lester "Bryan" and Thecla "Clara" Westrich Knight, he had managed service for a car wash in Cape Girardeau for 25 years. He worked for the Midwest Grain and Barge at Scott City for the past four years and was a member of the Commerce Baptist Church...

BELL CITY - Amos Peter "Buddy" Eilers, 57, died Dec. 5, 2004, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis. Born Aug. 24, 1947, in St. Louis, son of Pauline Abney Eilers of Hillsboro and the late Amos Eilers, he retired as a sanitation supervisor for Hudson Foods in Bloomfield...

PORTAGEVILLE - Randal Pullum, 62, died Dec. 5, 2004, at his home. Born Feb. 27, 1942, in New Madrid, son of Juanita Pullum of Portageville and the late Benjamin D. Pullum, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Survivors in addition to his mother include: three brothers, Kenneth Ray Pullum and Robert Dean "Bobby" Pullum of Portageville and Benny Wayne Pullum of New Orleans, La.; and two sisters, Sandra Kay Bordanora of Portageville and Laura Ann Stewart of Memphis, Tenn...

BLODGETT - Ethel Louise Franks, 79, died Dec. 7, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born May 25, 1925, in Blytheville, Ark., daughter of the late Walter David and Lela Victoria Riggs Deason Sr., she was a member of the Church of Christ in Blodgett...

CHARLESTON -- Lucille Grider DeLine, 86, died at 5:12 p.m. Dec. 6, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born May 13, 1919, in Mississippi County, daughter of the late John S. and Sallie G. Graham Grider, she had lived in Charleston most of her life, where she was employed by Brown Shoe Co. ...

SIKESTON - Ruth Steward, 92, died Dec. 7, 2004, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

MALDEN - Bianca Denae Frazier, 7, died Dec. 2, 2004, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Aug. 26, 1997, in Sikeston, she was the daughter of Ricky Frazier of Milwaukee, Wis., and Gwendal Holmes of Malden. Survivors in addition to her parents include: two brothers, Tyreek Newman of Malden and Christopher Frazier of Milwaukee; one sister, Lazhaina Holmes of Malden; her paternal grandparents Mildred Davis and Louis Frazier of Milwaukee; maternal grandparents, Henry Maredith of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Lillie Mae Holmes of Parma; and her maternal great-grandmother, Maggie Holmes of Parma.. ...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston for Ethel Louise Franks, 79, of Blodgett, who died Dec. 7, 2004, will be her nephews: Terry Deason, Joel Ingram, Mike Deason, Walter Deason III, Phillip Deason and Ron Deason...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Tuesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Bonnie Ruth Stanfill, 74, who died Dec. 4, 2004, were: John Newell, John Farrow, Daniel Stanfill, Brian Garrett, Justin Bell, James Bell Jr., Cecil Haley III and Kevin Cash...

DEXTER - Jean Yeager, 79, died Dec. 8, 2004, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center. Born Jan. 15, 1925, in Bernie, daughter of the late Gabe and Ida Neal Pointer, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter, where she was a nursery worker for 34 years. She was employed by Paramount Headwear in Dexter for 30 years before retiring...

FRIENDSHIP, Tenn. - Patricia Ann Medlin, 32, formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Dec. 7, 2004, at her home. Born Aug. 23, 1972, at Danville, Ill., daughter of Mary Lewis Beatty of Indianapolis and the late Allan Meers, she was of the Baptist belief. On Feb. 10, 1995, in New Madrid County, Mo., she married Donald Medlin who survives of the home...

BLOOMFIELD - Edsel D. Edwards, 78, died Dec. 8, 2004, at the John J. Pershing Veterans Administration Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Born Feb. 1, 1926, near Bloomfield, son of the late Everett and Nellie Ray Edwards, he was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and served as Stoddard County Sheriff from 1969-72. ...

LILBOURN - Aliene Mitchell, 84, died Dec. 8, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Oct. 28, 1920, in Seadrift, Texas, daughter of the late Jack Wright and Myra Kathryn Walgren Mills, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lilbourn. She was a second grade teacher at Lilbourn Elementary School for 35 years before retiring...

MARSTON - Edmee "Jeanne" Lovins, 64, died Dec. 8, 2004, at her home. Born April 17, 1940, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of the late James H. Nash and Edmee Bauer Nash. Her husband, Freddie Lee Lovins, preceded her in death on June 26, 1992. Survivors include: her stepmother, Dorothy C. ...

SIKESTON - Frances Elizabeth Goetz Heckemeyer, 91, died at 3:50 p.m. Dec. 8, 2004, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born Nov. 7, 1913, in Tuckerman, Ark., daughter of the late Anthony Joseph and Bessie Baughman Goetz, she lived in St. Louis during her childhood and graduated from Webster High School and attended Washington University in St. ...

FISK - Robert "Bob" Richardson, 57, died Dec. 8, 2004, at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Born Aug. 23, 1947, in Portageville, son of the late Marvin M. and Fannie M. Watkins Richardson, he lived in Dexter and Puxico for 21 years before moving to Fisk one and a half years ago. He worked on Tyson Foods farms for 20 years...

PORTAGEVILLE - Jane F. Priggel, 92, died Dec. 9, 2004, at the Gideon Care Center in Gideon. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home.

PORTAGEVILLE - Paul Durbin, 91, died Dec. 8, 2004, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at DeLisle Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Ruth C. Steward, 92, died at 11:10 p.m. Dec. 7, 2004, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born Dec. 22, 1911, in Maury City, Tenn., daughter of the late Ed and Mae Agee Byassee, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sikeston since Sept. ...

KEWANEE - Donna Sue Muller Pipkin, 58, died Dec. 10, 2004, at her home. Born Feb. 2, 1946, in Haywar d, daughter of Lou-Emma Sims Muller of Portageville and the late Harry O'Kelley Muller, she was of the Baptist belief. In 1963, at Portageville, she married Kenneth Wayne Pipkin who survives of the home...

PORTAGEVILLE - Paul Durbin, 91, died Dec. 8, 2004, at his home. Born Oct. 4, 1913, in Holcomb, son of the late Duraney F. and Henrietta Fairchild Durbin, he was a service tech airborne engineer in the 871st Engineers Aviation Battalion with the U.S. Army in World War II. A recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Philippine Liberation Ribbon, he was a self-employed carpenter and member of St. Eustachius Catholic Church in Portageville...

BENTON - Anna Elizabeth Vincent, 83, died at 1:25 p.m. Dec. 9, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born June 29, 1921, in Benton, daughter of the late Thomas Marshall and Eva Mae Davidson Hensley, she was a member of Unity Baptist church in Benton and the Navy Mothers Club in Illinois...

PORTAGEVILLE - James Stewart, 72, died Dec. 9, 2004, at Pemiscot County Memorial Hospital in Hayti. Born Sept. 28, 1932, in Portageville, son of the late Fred and Neva Lane Stewart, he was a pilot for the Army Corps of Engineers. Survivors include: two daughters, Jeanette Harper of Point Pleasant and Jamie Parris of Portageville; one brother, Lindol Stewart of Portageville; and four grandchildren, Robert Harper, Megan Fisher, Jana Fisher and Kali Parris...

CHAFFEE - Henry Arlie Nordin, 88, died at 2:15 a.m. Dec. 9, 2004, at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Born March 8, 1916, in Chaffee, son of the late Clarence Henry and Lethie Marie Biby Nordin, he retired from the City of Chaffee Public Works Department...

PORTAGEVILLE - Jane Florence Priggel, 92, died Dec. 9, 2004, at the Gideon Care Center in Gideon. Born Dec. 26, 1911, in Leopold, daughter of the late Theodore and Sena Elfrink Brands, she was a member of St. Eustachius Catholic Church and Our Lady's Altar Sodality in Portageville...

VENTURA, Calif. - Doris Lorine Clark, 83, died Dec. 7, 2004, at the Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. Born June 9, 1921, at Canalou, Mo., to the late James and Hattie Alberson Lawson, she had lived in Missouri before moving to California many years ago. Also she lived in Arkansas before returning to California two years ago. She worked for 14 years as a nurse's aide at the St. John's Hospital in Oxnard...

ZALMA - Kenneth (Tuffy) Simpson, 77, died at 5:45 p.m. Dec. 9, 2004, at the Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born March 27, 1927, in Brownwood, to the late Lewis Thomas and Mary Alvia Cooper Simpson, he was a retired construction worker and a member of the Advance Eagles. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps...

MERCED, Calif. - Franke Mae Woods died Dec. 7, 2004, in Merced. Born in Missouri, she was a school teacher for more than 40 years before retiring. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star where she served in various offices including past matron. She was also a member of the Retired Teachers Association and University Women...

PORTAGEVILLE - Jane Florence Priggel, 92, died Dec. 9, 2004, at the Gideon Care Center in Gideon. Born Dec. 26, 1911, in Leopold, daughter of the late Theodore and Sena Elfrink Brands, she was a member of St. Eustachius Catholic Church and Our Lady's Altar Sodality in Portageville...

DOGWOOD - Carol A. Ditto, 88, died at 11:55 p.m. Dec. 10, 2004, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born July 30, 1916, in Pascola to the late Alfred and Effie Keene Ditto, he had lived most of his life in Mississippi County where he was a retired farmer and a member of the Dogwood Methodist Church in East Prairie...

EAST PRAIRIE - Vickie Jean Watson, 47, formerly of Murphysboro, Ill., died at 10 a.m. Dec. 10, 2004, at her home. Born Oct. 2, 1957, in Murphysboro, daughter of Amber Yearian Walker of East Prairie and the late Bud Walker, she was of the Pentecostal belief...

NEW MADRID - Richard Pierce, 75, died Dec. 7, 2004, at Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid. Born June 2, 1929, in New Madrid, son of the late Franklin Pierce and Martha Cooper Pierce, he was a retired truck driver. Survivors include: two daughters, Cindy Thompson and Christy Reed of Dexter; and four grandchildren...

SIKESTON - Loretta Joyce Skelton, 63, died Dec. 10, 2004, at her home. Born Dec. 30, 1940, in Hayti to the late Lawrence and Lottie King Welch, she was a seamstress for Falkoff's Mens Shop for 17 years and a member of Shady Acres Church of Christ. On Jan. 27, 1961, in Sikeston, she married Leonard M. "Jack" Skelton who preceded her in death on Feb. 13, 2001...

DEXTER - Mary Elois Davis, 87, died Dec. 12, 2004, at the Beverly Health and Rehab Center in Dexter. Born Feb. 26, 1917, near Dexter, daughter of the late Almond and Nancy Elizabeth Robinson Martin, she lived in Michigan and Texas before returning to Dexter where she attended Emmanuel Baptist Church. She retired as a worker in a plastics factory where she made lamps...

MERCED, Calif. - Franke Mae Dillon Woods died Dec. 7, 2004, in Merced. Born in Missouri, she was a school teacher for more than 40 years before retiring. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star where she served in various offices including past matron. She was also a member of the Retired Teachers Association and University Women...

DEXTER - Elaine J. Miller, 69, died Dec. 11, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born June 8, 1935, in Brooklyn, N.Y., daughter of the late Bernard and Edith Rodkin Adelman, she lived in New York and New Jersey before moving to Dexter in 1977...

LILBOURN -- Joe Albright, 62, died unexpectedly Dec. 12, 2004, at his home. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Lilbourn, where services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Ponder funeral Home of Lilbourn is in charge of arrangements...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Robert "Bob" Richardson, 57, who died Dec. 8, 2004, were: Donnie Courter, Scott Courter, Tony Courter, Trey Crider, Joe Scott and Jim Bolin.

SCOTT CITY - Dwight "Buck" Buchanan, 56, died Dec. 13, 2004, at the Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

CHARLESTON - Lacy Mae Richardson, 85, formerly of Bardwell, Ky., died at 6:15 a.m. Dec. 12, 2004, at the Charleston Manor. Born Nov. 20, 1919, in Hickman County, Ky., she was the daughter of the late William and Margaret Riley Crawford. She lived in Charleston most of her life where she was a member of the First General Baptist Church...

GRAVOIS MILLS - David Lee Campbell, 51, formerly of Sikeston, died at 6:20 p.m. Dec. 11, 2004, at his home. Born May 6, 1953, in Stoddard County, son of Virgil Campbell Sr. of Fairdealing and Christine Branum Campbell of Gravois Mills, he was of the Baptist belief. He was an auto body mechanic and had also been employed by Danny Lambert Construction...

ANNISTON - Mary A. Steward, 80, died at 10:35 a.m. Dec. 11, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 4, 1924, in Bragg City, daughter of the late Alvin and Lena McKinley Myrick, she lived in Mississippi County most of her life. She worked for Brown Shoe Company in Charleston for 31 years before retiring on Feb. 4, 1986...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Loretta Joyce Skelton, 63, who died Dec. 10, 2004, were: Larry Gier, Brian Harper, Dewey Harper, David Bridges, Tom Eiceman and Jim Sloan.

DEXTER - Bertha M. Farmer, 100, died Dec. 13, 2004, at Central Gardens Residential Care in Dexter. Born Nov. 1, 1904, in Grayridge, daughter of the late Joseph and Lide Clark Alsup, she lived in the Bloomfield community most of her life and lived in Dexter the past few years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bloomfield...

CHARLESTON - Willie Finley Moore, 93, died at 8:20 p.m. Dec. 13, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Sept. 17, 1911, in Deventer, daughter of the late Cyrus and Sadie Traylor, she was a lifelong resident of Mississippi County and was of the Pentecostal belief...

EAST PRAIRIE - Dorothy Grogan, 56, died at 7:12 p.m. Dec. 13, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Lillian Ancell Braden died at 6:05 p.m. Dec. 13, 2004, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Blanchard Funeral Chapel.

DEXTER -- Pallbearers at services conducted today at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Doris Lorine Clark, 83, who died Dec. 7, 2004, were: Jay Clark, Michael Clark, Ron Clark, Jeff Gallimore, Ryan Clark and Daniel Nouiger.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for David Lee Campbell, 51, of Gravois Mills and formerly of Sikeston, who died Dec. 11, 2004, will be: Joey Jones, Dwight Young, Ronnie Haynes, Ricky Haynes, Dale Vaughn Jr. and Terry Mace...

CHARLESTON - Wilma Frances Telker Bohannon, 79, of Charleston, died at 11:02 a.m. Dec. 13, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Jan. 13, 1925, in Texas Bend, daughter of the late William Raymond and Margaret Renaud Telker, she lived in Charleston most of her life. ...

LILBOURN - Joe Edward Albright, 62, died Dec. 12, 2004, at his home in Lilbourn. Born March 31, 1942, in Lilbourn, son of the late Ernie Albright and Wanda Sue Duncan, he was raised by his grandmother, the late Effie "Tick" Duncan. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lilbourn where he taught Sunday school and also served as a deacon. ...

SCOTT CITY - Dwight L. "Buck" Buchanan, 56, died at 5:30 a.m. Dec. 13, 2004, at the Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 10, 1948, in Poplar Bluff, son of Marjorie Deardorff Buchanan of Dexter and the late Carl Buchanan, he was a truck driver for Truck Transport and attended the Christian Faith Academy...

ESSEX - Wilson Langley, 91, died Dec. 14, 2004, at Cypress Point Skilled Nursing Center in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

CHAFFEE - Joe Noble, 67, died Dec. 14, 2004, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

SIKESTON - Isaac "Ike" Tate, 70, died Dec. 12, 2004, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Born Jan. 21, 1934, in Memphis, Tenn., son of the late Allen and Lillie Morris Tate, he was a farmer and was also an umpire for area baseball games. Survivors include: two daughters, Vanessa Ray of Cape Girardeau and Barbara Howard of Sikeston; three sons, Isaac Harrington of Dalton, Ill., Cleveland Brandon of East St. ...

DEXTER - Patricia Kay Clay-Rhine, 56, died Dec. 13, 2004, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center. Born June 6, 1948, at Catron, daughter of Madeline Hague Clay of Dexter and the late Frank Clay, she lived in Zalma before moving to Dexter in 1984. Survivors in addition to her mother include: two sons, Scott A. Mitchell of Essex and Kevin Wayne Mitchell of Aquilla; two brothers, Mike Clay and Tony Clay of Dexter; one half brother, Raymond Davis of Bell City; and eight grandchildren...

ESSEX - Anna Louise Langley, 85, died Dec. 14, 2004, at the Cypress Point Skilled Nursing Center in Dexter. Born Sept. 25, 1919, in Essex, daughter of the late E.L. and Mabel Elizabeth Sitton Williamson, she was a lifelong resident of Essex, where she was a member of the United Methodist Church...

LILBOURN - Dorothy Mae Grogan, 56, formerly of East Prairie, died at 7:12 p.m. Dec. 13, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born March 7, 1948, daughter of the late John J. and Annie Arietta Hayden Grogan, she lived in Mississippi County most of her life before moving to Lilbourn three years ago. She was of the Baptist belief...

SIKESTON - Robert Lee Washington, 69, died Dec. 12, 2004, at his home. Born July 5, 1935, in Clarksdale, Ark., son of the late Suzannah Buxton, he was a farmer and was employed by Williams Auto Sales in Sikeston. His wife, Lonnie Cole Washington, survives of the home...

SPRINGDALE, Ark. - Eva Dean Corbell, 51, died Dec. 14, 2004, in a Springdale hospital. Born May 9, 1953, in Charleston, Mo., daughter of Willadean Harper of Sikeston, Mo., and the late Leland Harper, she was a machine operator for Mead Container at Fort Smith. She was of the Methodist belief and was a member of the United Paper Workers Union...

SIKESTON - Lillian "Feedie" Ancell Braden, 72, formerly of Orange, Calif., died at 6:05 p.m. Dec. 13, 2004, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born Sept. 17, 1932, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Lynn Ancell and Edith Jeanette Carter Ancell Ford, she was registrar for the Orange (Calif.) Unified School District. ...

SIKESTON -- Charles "Charlie" William Myers, 76, died Dec. 11, 2004. He was the son of the late Bess and Tola Myers and had served on Sikeston's Board of Housing Authority. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, he was a member of Sikeston Elks Lodge 2319 and member and course marshal of the Sikeston Country Club. He worked for Standard Oil Co. for 20 years and also for Petro, Yerbey Oil Co. and Westex Energy Co...

HOLTS SUMMIT -- Riley Joseph Wheat, son of Duke and Sarah Sherrod Wheat of Holts Summit, died at birth Dec. 13, 2004, at the Capital Regional Medical Center in Jefferson City. Surviving in addition to his parents are his paternal grandparents, Dennis Wheat Sr. ...

ESSEX - Wilson E. Langley, 91, died Dec. 14, 2004, at the Cypress Point Skilled Nursing Center at Dexter. Born Jan. 8, 1913, near Essex to the late Randall Greenfield and Sarah Jane Taylor Langley, he received his bachelor of science degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University and a master's degree from the University of Michigan with honors. In his early career in education he served as a teacher, coach and superintendent. Also he was a landowner and farmer near Essex...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Elaine J. Miller, 69, who died Dec. 11, 2004, were: Brian Empey, Chris Rogers, Jason Vaughn, Benjamin Garcia, Kevin Cross and Carey Dalton.

CHAFFEE - Joe E. Noble, 67, died Dec. 14, 2004, at his home. Born June 17, 1937, in Kennett, son of the late John Hampton and Minnie Opal Fox Noble, he retired as an electrician in Detroit, Mich., and was a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force...

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. - Patricia "Pat" Whistle, 75, died at 2:45 a.m. Dec. 14, 2004. Born April 1, 1929, in Charleston, Mo., she was the daughter of the late Ralph Noisworthy and Clara Vowels Noisworthy. On March 18, 1948, she married Don Whistle who preceded her in death on May 24, 1999...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Maxine Marie Mott, 77, formerly of East Prairie, died at 6:05 p.m. Dec. 15, 2004, at the Chaffee Nursing Home. Born March 26, 1927, in Blodgett, daughter of the late Charley and Ella Mae Johnson, she was a member of the Ahniyvwiya tribe of Native American under the leadership of Chief Paul White Eagle and was given the Indian name Snow Bird...

PARMA - Verneta Camille Fleming, 68, died Dec. 14, 2004, at her home. Born Feb. 6, 1936, in Marston, daughter of Verna Beatrice Ruby Cameron of Parma and the late John Narvel Cameron, she was a member of the Parma General Baptist Church. On Oct. 17, 1951, in Parma, she married Harold Hubert Fleming who survives of the home...

POPLAR BLUFF - Lawrence M. Wright Sr., 88, died Dec. 15,2004 , at the Cedargate Nursing Home. Born Jan. 30, 1916, in Middlebrook, Ark., son of the late Claude and Monie Holt Wright, he retired as a diesel mechanic for the Fabick Caterpillar Company in Sikeston...

SIKESTON -- Susan L. Lee, 56, died Dec. 15, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

SIKESTON - John B. Butrum, 80, died at 1:50 a.m. Dec. 16, 2004, at his home. Born Oct. 14, 1924, in Parma, son of the late Alfred and Katherine Lee Butrum, he retired as a welder for Steward Steel and was a charter member of New Hope Baptist Church. He was a private first class with the U.S. Army during World War II, landing at Omaha Beach in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day then served throughout Europe until the end of the war...

OAKWOOD VILLAGE, Ohio - Harold L. "Buck" Boone, 57, formerly of Parma, Mo., died Dec. 14, 2004, at his home. Born Jan. 27, 1947, in Akron, son of the late Samuel Lewis and Edna Garland Boone, he graduated from Parma High School. A U.S. Army veteran, he lived in Ohio for the past 30 years, where he was a pipefitter for the Ford Motor Company. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge...

CHAFFEE -- Arlie Otis Rister Jr., 72, died Dec. 15, 2004, at his home in Chaffee. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

NEW MADRID - Ruby Sweet Pattinson, 87, died Dec. 15, 2004, at the Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid. Born Aug. 19, 1917, in Matthews to the late Edgar and Clara Gardner Sweet, she was affiliated with the Baptist Church. Her husband, Bond Pattinson, preceded her in death on March 5, 1991...

CHARLESTON - Amos Phillips, 77, died at 6 a.m. Dec. 17, 2004, at The Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

SIKESTON - Edward Sweet, 84, died at 3:05 p.m. Dec. 16, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born March 29, 1920, in Hardin, Ky., son of the late H.D. and Jewel Wells Sweet, he was a lifelong resident of Mississippi and Scott counties. He was employed by the Bertrand Cotton Gin for 28 years and owned and operated Sweet's Trucking Company until retiring in 1980. ...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services to be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Blanchard Funeral Chapel for John Butrum, 80, who died Dec. 16, 2004, will be: Todd Chapman, Casey Chapman, Sammy Burcham, Matt Butrum, Corky Butrum and Tim Chappell. Honorary pallbearers will be: Weston Riddle, Robert Hubbert, John Cohen, Wallace Nelson, Kenneth Riddle Sr. and Gary Butrum...

SIKESTON - Susan L. Simpson Lee, 56, died Dec. 15, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Aug. 7, 1948, in Steele, she was the daughter of the late Jesse and Audrey Plummer Simpson. Her sister, Sandra Worthington of Sikeston, survives. No services are scheduled...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Mary Davis, 87, who died Dec. 12, 2004, were: Billy Davis, David Davis, Dallas Caldwell, Dallas Caldwell II, Joe Murphy and Charles O'Dell.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Patricia Clay Rhine, 56, who died Dec. 13, 2004, were; Kyle Clay, Don Dyle, Doug Smith, Raymond Davis, Box Cato, Dustin Grimes, Scotty Mitchell and Bill Bennett...

CHAFFEE - Arlie Otis Rister Jr., 72, died at 11:31 p.m. Dec. 15, 2004, at his home. Born July 7, 1932, in Chaffee, son of the late Arlie and Dora Stidham Rister Sr., he was an engineer for the Frisco Railroad and Burlington Northern Railroad in Chaffee before retiring. ...

CHARLESTON - Amos Phillips, 77, died at 6 a.m. Dec. 17, 2004, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born June 29, 1927, in New Madrid County, son of the late William Lottie and Ida M. Black Phillips, he lived in Mississippi County most of his life. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and retired farm truck driver, he was of the Protestant belief...

SCOTT CITY - Glenn Elbert Crews, 72, formerly of Parma, died at 1:14 a.m. Dec. 17, 2004, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Marion, Ill. Born Feb. 22, 1932, in Risco, son of the late Oscar B. and Fletta Scott Crews, he was a retired riverboat pilot and veteran of the U.S. Army...

SIKESTON - Lillian "Feedie" Ancell Braden, 72, formerly of Orange, Calif. died at 6:05 p.m. Dec. 13, 2004, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born Sept. 17, 1932, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Lynn Ancell and Edith Jeanette Carter Ancell Ford, she was registrar for the Orange (Calif.) Unified School District. ...

GRAVOIS MILLS - David Lee Campbell, 51, formerly of Sikeston, died at 6:20 p.m. Dec. 11, 2004, at his home. Born May 6, 1953, in Stoddard County, son of Virgil Campbell of Fairdealing and Christine Brannon Campbell of Gravois Mills, he was an auto body mechanic and had also been employed by Danny Lambert Construction...

PORTAGEVILLE - Randel Ottis McCarter, 75, died Dec. 18, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born March 22, 1929, in Mississippi, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ben McCarter. His wife, Bonnie McCarter, survives of the home...

LEWISVILLE, Texas - Geraldine "Jane" Brock Milam, 64, died December 16, 2004, in Lewisville after fighting a long battle with multiple myeloma. Born Aug. 9, 1940, in Benton, Mo., daughter of Geraldine LeGrand Brock of Plano and the late Glenn Albert Brock, she moved to Texas in 1957 where she graduated from Our Lady of Good Council in 1958. She worked as a commercial line supervisor for Maxson-Mahoney-Turner Insurance, where she was employed for 35 years...

GROVER, N.C. - Kimberly Michelle Julian, 11-month-old daughter of Heather Michelle Conn of Grover and Kevin Anthony of Kings Mountain, died Dec. 17, 2004, at the Cleveland Regional Hospital in Shelby. Born in Gaston County, she is also survived by: maternal grandparents, Tommy and Cheryl Conn of Sikeston, Mo., and Timothy E. ...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Sunday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Harold L. "Buck" Boone, 57, who died Dec. 14, 2004, were: Mark Earnheart, Gary Robinson, Todd Luke, Bill Adams, Ron Adams and George Adams.

DEXTER - Joyce Darnell Summers, 71, died Dec. 21, 2004, at her home. Born Aug. 29, 1933, at Dell, Ark., daughter of the late J.B. and Ora Lee Elder Summers, she was a member of Gospel Assembly Church in Dexter and was employed by the Elder Manufacturing Company for 47 years...

EAST PRAIRIE - Joan Krauss Hutchason, 63, died at 10:10 a.m. Dec. 20, 2004, at her home. Born July 2, 1941, near Bertrand, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Lillian Beatrice Winders Krauss. A lifelong resident of Mississippi County, she was a member of the Dorena Baptist Church...

JACKSON - Earl Ray Skinner, 80, died at 5:13 p.m. Dec. 20, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 12, 1924, in Avert, son of the late Harry Strawn and Bertha Fredericka Clingingsmith Skinner, he was a farmer in the Oak Ridge area before moving to Jackson in 1956, when he entered the plumbing business. ...

DEXTER - Patricia Ann Davis, 66, died Dec. 21, 2004, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter. Born Dec. 16, 1938, at Watseka, Ill., to the late Anna Muriel Parks Bastien, she was a member of the First Christian Church in Saybrook, Ill., and was a housewife...

SIKESTON - Ella I. Smith, 90, died Dec. 22, 2004, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Nunnelee Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

BENTON - James Nelson Daugherty, 38, died Dec. 22, 2004, at his residence in Benton. Born May 21, 1966, in Jacksonville, Fla., to Geraldine Maloney Wells of Benton and the late James Daugherty Sr., he was a driver for Cauble and Fields and a member of the OIDA...

CHARLESTON - Frances "Fannie" DeLaney, 82, of Charleston died at 1:45 a.m. Dec. 23, 2004, at the Arbors Nursing Facility in Cape Girardeu. McMikle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

SIKESTON - Woodrow "Woody" Wilson, 75, died Dec. 22, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Dec. 31, 1928, in Kaiser, Ark., to the late Raymond and Ethel Mae Powers Wilson, he was the former owner of Woody's Pest Control and a member of the First Church of the Nazarene...

SIKESTON - Ella Irene Smith, 90, formerly of Canalou, died at 12:24 a.m. Dec. 22, 2004, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Sept. 18, 1914, at Senath to the late Harve Franklin and Pearl Jenkins Campbell, she was a member of the Canalou Assembly of God Church for over 50 years and a housewife and homemaker...

BLOOMFIELD - James Bell Sr., a resident of Bloomfield, died Dec. 24, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Chiles-Cooper Funeral Home in Bloomfield is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

CHARLESTON - Lena Frances Snow DeLaney, 82, a resident of Snow's Corner near Charleston, died at 1:45 a.m. Dec. 23, 2004, at the Arbors Nursing Facility in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 11, 1922, at Snow's Corner to the late Thad and Lila Simpson Snow, she had lived in Snow's Corner most of her life and was a member of the United Methodist Church of Charleston...

NEW MADRID - Essie Scott, 85, died Dec. 20, 2004, at the Beverly Health Care in New Madrid. Born Oct. 17, 1919, in Turrell, Ark., to the late William Bruce and Rosie Poole, she was a member of the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Her husband, Algin Scott, preceded her in death on April 19, 1968...

MARSTON - Ulisses Lester, 75, died Dec. 22, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid.

CHARLESTON - Dorothy Telker Uthoff, 79, died at 8:45 a.m. Dec. 24, 2004, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home.

ST. PETERS - Karen Faye Sullinger, 57, formerly of Benton, died Dec. 23, 2004, at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Benton.

BLOOMFIELD - James "Jim" Bell Sr. died Dec. 24, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are pending at Chiles-Cooper Funeral Home in Bloomfield, where visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday and services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Martha Sue Husk, 67, formerly of East Prairie, died at 4:25 a.m. Dec. 26, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center. Born March 19, 1937, at Wolf Island, to the late Ed and Joy Collins Childers, she had lived in Cape Girardeau for the past 13 years. She was a certified nurse aide and member of the Wolf Island Baptist Church...

BERNIE - Norma Terry, 90, died Dec. 27, 2004, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

ST. PETERS - Karen Faye Harper Sullinger, 57, formerly of Benton and Chaffee, died at 5:55 p.m. Dec. 23, 2004, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Born Feb. 13, 1947, in Cape Girardeau, she was the daughter Virginia Lee Bertrand Harper of Scott City and the late Raymond Glenburn Harper...

BOONVILLE, Ind. - Cheryl Powers Johnson, 47, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Dec. 23, 2004, at her home. Born Feb. 3, 1957, in Sikeston, she was the daughter of the late Warren S. and Eureda Powers. Survivors include: four brothers and three sisters-in-law, Ronald and Debbie Powers of Boonville, Jim and Kathy Powers of Sikeston, Danny and Fran Powers of Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Stan Powers of Sikeston; three sisters and one brother-in-law, Debbie and Jim McQuary of Hillsboro, Mo., and Stephanie Powers and Betty O'Conner of St. ...

ESSEX - Serena Nicole Garrett, infant daughter of Brian and Rachel Parker Garrett of Essex, died Dec. 22, 2004, at the St. Louis Children's Hospital in St. Louis. She was born Nov. 10, 2004. Surviving in addition to her parents are her maternal grandparents, Kevin and Sharon Pullum of Bloomfield and Raymond Parker of Indiana; and her paternal grandfather, Tom Garrett...

HAMILTON, Ala. - Joe Billy Parker and his wife, Ophelia Sue "Susie" Parker, died Dec. 22, 2004. Services were conducted Sunday at the Hamilton Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Portageville Cemetery. DeLisle Funeral Home of Portageville is in charge of local arrangements...

ESSEX - Shirley A. Cobb, 63, died Dec. 28, 2004, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

BENTON - Catherine L. Halter, 80, died Dec. 27, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Benton.

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Lucille E. Singleton, 81, died at 11:15 a.m. Dec. 26, 2004, at her home. Born April 16, 1923, in Bristol, Tenn., daughter of the late Sercie Estel and Naomi Eral Sparkman Smith, she was a retail clerk for Cousin Fred's in Cape Girardeau...

PORTAGEVILLE - Mildred Laws, 83, formerly of Portageville, died Dec. 28, 2004, at Jackson Manor in Jackson. DeLisle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

BLOOMFIELD - James Mansfield Bell Sr., 64, died Dec. 24, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 24, 1940, in Camden, Tenn., son of the late Leroy and Ruby Hardin Bell, he and his son owned and operated Bell Well Drilling Service. He operated Bell Fireworks in Bloomfield for many years, was a cook for ACBL Barge Line and also operated Jean's Catfish Lake for several years. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, he was also a published author...

BERNIE - Carol Peppers, 58, died Dec. 26, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born June 14, 1946, at Lemay to the late Leonard J. Burns and Lee Etta Brawley, she was a lifelong resident of Bernie and affiliated with the Powe Gospel Church in Powe...

CHARLESTON - Alener Williams Stovall, 88, died Dec. 26, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born April 16, 1916, in Marianna, Ark., daughter of the late Allen and Maggie Unfrey Williams, she was a longtime resident of Missouri. She was a member of Holy Trinity Church of Deliverance in Charleston where she served on the Mother's Board...

CHARLESTON - Dorothy Telker Uthoff, 81, died at 8:45 a.m. Dec. 24, 2004, at her home. Born March 21, 1923, in Texas Bend, daughter of the late William Raymond and Margaret Renaud Telker, she lived in Charleston most of her life. She was a homemaker most of her life and had also worked as a cook for the Host House, now Charleston Manor. She attended St. Henry School and was a lifetime member of St. Henry Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella and served on any committee needed...

CHARLESTON -- Pauline Lucretia Scheffer, 75, died at 4:05 p.m. Dec. 27, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 25, 1929, in Charleston, daughter of the late Clem and Emma Gibbear Scheffer Sr., she had live din Charleston her entire life, where she was a member of the St. Henry Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella and St. Henry's Quilting Group. She also served as a caregiver at the St. Henry Catholic School...

NEW MARKET, Tenn. - Grover Cleveland Baker Jr., 84, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Dec. 24, 2004, at his winter home in LaBelle, Fla. Born Aug. 8, 1920, in Sikeston, he was a member of the First Baptist Church o f Dandridge. His wife, Katherine Baker, survives...

ESSEX - Lynn Collins, 69, died Dec. 27, 2004, at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center at Poplar Bluff. Born Feb. 25, 1935, at Advance, to the late Robert Collins and Ada Nevels Collins, he was a former employee with Oak View Construction. He resided in Granite City, Ill., before moving to Essex...

DEXTER - Billy Ray Hunsperger Sr., 66, died Dec. 27, 2004, at his home. Born March 10, 1938, in Malden, son of the late Matthew Thomas and Pearl Elizabeth Driver, he lived in Dexter since 1972. He was a U.S. Army veteran, member of the American Legion and National Rifle Association and worked for Arvin-Meritor in Dexter for 23 years before retiring...

POCAHONTAS, Ark. - Paul Schallert, 80, died Dec. 25, 2004, at the Randolph County Medical Center in Pocahontas. Born Sept. 2, 1924, in Portageville, Mo., son of the late John Gabriel and Clara Belle Gain Schallert, he was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Pocahontas and St. Eustachius Catholic Church in Portageville...

BELL CITY - Ricky Eugene Gammons, 29, died Dec. 22, 2004, in St. Louis. Born Aug. 7, 1975, in Wauchula, Fla., son of Larry and Debra Gammons of Bernie, he attended New Life Tabernacle in Bell City. He was a painter for Construction Trailer Specialist...

MARSTON - Ulisses Luster, 75, died Dec. 22, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born May 25, 1929, at Datle, Ark., he was the son of the late Buster and Trussie Luster. He was a member of the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Marston where he was a member of the choir...

MARSTON - Ruby G. White, 77, died Dec. 25, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Aug. 15, 1927, in Arkansas, daughter of the late Alfred Lonzo and Mary Elta Reese Hudsbeth, she was retired from Rogers Shoe Store in Portageville. On Jan. 17, 1946, in Portageville, she married Jewels Edward White who preceded her in death on July 3, 1996...

NEW MADRID - Willine Nunn Brewer, 70, died Dec. 23, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 24, 1934, in Lilbourn, she was the daughter of the late Procter and Ada Ann Cowhorn Nunn. Her husband, William Brewer, preceded her in death in May 2004...

MATTHEWS _ Helen Grogan Day, 42, died at 12:12 p.m. Dec. 23, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Jan. 23, 1962, at Sikeston to the late John J. and Annie Arietta Hayden Grogan, she has lived in Matthews for the past 19 years and was affiliated with the Baptist church...

GLENNONVILLE - Kathleen Joan "Kitty" Petry, 65, died Dec. 26, 2004, at her home. Born April 9, 1939, in Los Angeles, daughter of the late John "Jack" and Dorothy Ludwig Hennessy, she was an office manager for Richardson-Wynette for 14 years and veteran of the U.S. Air Force. She was a member of St. Teresa's Catholic Church in Glennonville where she also served on the School Building Committee...

CHARLESTON - Bonnie Raylene Owens, 47, died Dec. 24, 2004, at her home in Charleston. Born April 30, 1957, in Cairo, Ill., to Dallas and Betty Loflin Owens, who survive of Mounds, Ill., she had lived most of her life in Mounds. An employee with the Missouri Department of Transportation, she was affiliated with the Baptist Church...

ESSEX - Shirley Ann Baker Cobb, 63, died Dec. 28, 2004, at her residence in Essex. Born Oct. 14, 1941, to Mary Bessie Purcell Cobb of Dexter and the late Robert Harold Woodruff, she was a former employee of Elder Manufacturing in Dexter and a resident of Essex most of her life...

BENTON - Catherine Louise Halter, 80, died at 11:37 p.m. Dec. 27, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 10, 1924, in Ancell, daughter of the late Benjamin John and Dorothy Theresa Heuring Enderle, she was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church and St. Denis Ladies Sodality in Benton...

SIKESTON - James T. "Red" Taylor, 77, died Dec. 28, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Nunnelee Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete.

DEXTER - William D. Walker, 96, died Dec. 28, 2004, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter. Born Nov. 17, 1908, at Gainesville, Ark., to the late Charlie and Ethel Penny Walker, he was a self-employed farmer and a member of the Sadler's Chapel Methodist Church in Dexter...

PORTAGEVILLE - Mildred P. Laws, 83, died Dec. 27, 2004, in Jackson. Born Nov. 11, 1921, in Point Pleasant, daughter of the late Walter and Ella Bruce Lovell, she was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Portageville. On Sept. 24, 1938, in Portageville, she married Lee Edward Laws who preceded her in death on Oct. 20, 1959...

SIKESTON - Robert A. Hicks Sr., 44, died at 4:40 p.m. Dec. 24, 2004, at his home. Born May 21, 1960, in Dexter, son of Clifford Hicks and Hiwana Cummins Hicks of Oak Grove, La., he was a cab driver and was of the Baptist belief. He was a member of Sikeston Eagles Aerie 3319 and former member of Henry Meldrum American Legion Post 114 in Sikeston...

CHAFFEE - Elizabeth "Beth" Dooley, 43, died at 6:25 a.m. Dec. 28, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 26, 1961, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Bob and Janet Steger Sullivan of Chaffee, she was office manager for the Pete Dooley Insurance Agency in Chaffee. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Ladies Elks Lodge 1810, Booster Club and Chamber of Commerce in Chaffee...

CHARLESTON -- Freddie L. Balton, 54, died Dec. 23, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Sept. 7, 1950, in Forest City, Ark., he was the son of the late Freddie and Essie Lee Ford Balton and had lived in Charleston for many years...

WYATT -- Anna Robinson, 58, died Dec. 9, 2004, at Charleston Manor Nursing Facility. Born Nov. 18, 1946, in Charleston, she was of the Pentecostal belief. Survivors include: one daughter, Gloria Steele of Wilson City; and one grandson. Graveside services will be conducted at noon Thursday at Oak Grove Cemetery at Charleston...

HOWARDVILLE -- Hattie Mae Branch, 91, formerly of Lilbourn, died Dec. 27, 2004, at Beverly Healthcare Center in New Madrid. Born March 15, 1913, in Walls, Miss., daughter of the late Lonnie and Mary Etter Bailey McKay, she had lived in Lilbourn for over 81 years. She was a member of the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Lilbourn, where she was a member of the Mother Board...

HAMILTON, Ala. - Joe Billy Parker, 78, and his wife, Ophelia Sue "Susie" Parker, 71, died Dec. 22, 2004. Born Oct. 28, 1925, in Mississippi, son of the late Jasper John and Eula Elizabeth Harris Parker, Joe Parker died at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo...

GREENTOWN, Ind. - Jimmie Lee Curd, 57, formerly of Morehouse, Mo., died Nov. 12, 2004, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and Health Center in Dayton, Ohio. Born Jan. 15, 1947, in Morehouse, son of the late Raymond and Irene Marie Breeden Curd, he was a 1965 graduate of Morehouse High School and Ivy Tech. ...

SCOTT CITY - Lloyd Eugene Zimmerman, 72, died Dec. 27, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 17, 1932, in Fornfelt, son of the late Theodore Roosevelt and Anna Lee Cambron Zimmerman, he was a stationary engineer for 32 years with the City of St. ...

SCOTT CITY - Dorothy Laureen St. Clair, 78, died at 2:30 a.m. Dec. 28, 2004, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born March 21, 1926, in Kelso, daughter of the late William Theodore and Emma Bertha Goetz Leible, she was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and VFW Post 6407 Ladies Auxiliary in Scott City...

MATTHEWS -- Violet R. Wallace, 87, died at 7:50 a.m. Dec. 30, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

BERNIE - Norma S. Terry, 90, a resident of Bernie, died Dec. 27, 2004, at the Missouri Southern Healthcare at Dexter. Born Feb. 18, 1914, at Bernie, daughter of the late Harvey M. and Cora Alice Whitehead Escue, she attended the Missionary Alliance Church of Bernie and worked for Gossard Garment Factor of Malden until her retirement...

DALLAS -- Mayola Gibson, 76, formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Dec. 29, 2004, at the Charlson Methodist Hospital in Dallas. Arrangements are incomplete at Watkins and Sons Funeral home in Dexter.

BLOOMFIELD - Ernest Vern Green, 87, died Dec. 28, 2004, at the John J. Pershing Veterans Administration Medical Center at Poplar Bluff. Born March 30, 1917, near Puxico to the late Clarence Alvin Green and Nellie May Creed Green, he was a retired farmer, residing near Bloomfield. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving in the infantry during World War II...

SIKESTON -- James T. "Red" Taylor Sr., 77, died at 6:21 p.m. Dec. 28, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 3, 1927, at Fulton, Ky., son of the late Aubrey T. ...

DEXTER -- Pallbearers for services held Thursday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter for Billy Ray Hunsperger Sr., 66, who died Dec. 27, 2004, were: Jason Josupaite, Larry Hunsperger, Tommy Stafford, Tom Stafford, Coleman Capps and John Chapman...

DESOTO, Texas -- Mayola Gibson, 76, formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Dec. 29, 2004, at the Charlson Methodist Hospital in Dallas. Born Feb. 25, 1928, in Bernie, Mo., daughter of the late Richard and Effie Adeline Jerls McCamish, she had lived in Dexter before moving to St. Louis, Mo., in 1969, and later to DeSoto. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Mesquite...

DEXTER -- Gladsia Bland, 95, died Dec. 30, 2004, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

BERNIE -- Dorlus Moore, 87, died Dec. 30, 2004, at the Malden Nursing Center in Malden. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

DEXTER -- Priscilla Nickens, 99, died Dec. 30, 2004, at the Aspen Care Rehabilitation Center at Ogden, Utah. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

DUDLEY - James Gardner Avery, 58, died Dec. 30, 2004, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at this time at the Chiles-Cooper Funeral Home in Bloomfield.