Obituaries from January 2005

MATTHEWS -- Violet R. Wallace, 87, formerly of East Prairie, died at 7:50 a.m. Dec. 30, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 25, 1917, in Hickman, Ky., daughter of the late James and Janie Tinsley Johnson, she had lived in East Prairie most of her life and was employed with the Anniston School and Charleston R-1 Schools as a cook until her retirement. She was also a member of the Anniston Christian Church...

ORAN - Anthony "Tony" Wagoner, 45, died at 3:40 p.m. Jan. 2, 2005, at his home. Born Dec. 13, 1959, in Belleville, Ill., son of Patricia Ann Rafalowski Wagoner of Stockbridge, Ga., and the late James Earl Wagoner, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Oran. He was a line technician for Nordenia USA in Jackson...

BLOOMFIELD - Freda Mae Lilly, 69, died Jan. 1, 2005, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born June 27, 1935, in Bloomfield, daughter of the late Henry and Opal Harper Rogers, she was a lifelong resident of the Bloomfield community. She retired as a waitress for the Hickory Log Restaurant in Dexter and was a member of the Dexter Church of Christ...

DUDLEY - James Garner Avery, 59, died Dec. 30, 2004, at his home. Born June 23, 1945, in St. Louis, to the late Oscar and Beverly Virgo Avery, he was a resident of Dudley for the past three years and a veteran of the U.S. Army. On July 29, 1981, he married Charlotte Prince, who survives of the home...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Carol Page Blanton, 65, died Jan. 1, 2005, at her home. Born Dec. 25, 1939, in Sikeston, daughter of Mary Lucille Page of Sikeston and the late Lee Page, she was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau, PEO Sisterhood and the St. ...

SCOTT CITY - Celestia Grace Ziegler, 86, died at 8:50 p.m. Jan. 2, 2005, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 21, 1918, near Commerce, daughter of the late August and Anna Martin LeDure, she was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph Ladies Sodality and VFW Post 6407 in Scott City...

EAST PRAIRIE - Irene Brashears Henry, 78, died at 10:55 p.m. Dec. 31, 2004, at Sells Rest Home in Matthews. Born Aug. 29, 1926, in Bertrand, daughter of the late George Dillon and Jessie Meeks Brashears, she lived in East Prairie most of her life and was of the Baptist belief...

ST. LOUIS - Charles R. Goode, 81, formerly of Sikeston, died Jan. 1, 2005, at his home. Born July 30, 1923, in Larksburg, Tenn., son of the late Archie Elmer and Jessie Kathleen Stutts Goode, he was a grounds supervisor for a St. Louis cemetery before retiring...

DEXTER - John Robert Wilkison, 36, died Jan. 1, 2005, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born July 29, 1969, in Dexter, son of Dale Wilkison of Dexter and the late Anna Blocker Wilkison, he was a member of the Dexter Eagles Lodge. Survivors include: one son, John Robert Wilkison Jr. of St. Louis; three daughters, Crystal Banfield of Bernie and Krista Northington and Viva Wilkison of Dexter; one brother, Michael Edward Wilkison of Farmington; ad one sister, Londa Moran of Bernie...

DEXTER - Gladsia Bland, 95, died Dec. 30, 2004, at the Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Sept. 9, 1909, in Dexter, daughter of the late Frank and Effie Jane Treat Anderson, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dexter and of the Dexter Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. A former tour guide for Pressley Tours, she served as the Dexter city greeter for many years...

SIKESTON - Sally J. Beckmann, 69, died at 4:15 p.m. Dec. 31, 2004, at her home. Born June 17, 1935 in Clinton, Ill., to the late James Hobert and Mary Ann Dorrell Tate, she was a data entry clerk for the Missouri State Job Service until her retirement. A member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sikeston, she was active in the Altar Sodality and a member of the Auxiliary Legion of Mary at the church...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Sunday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Mayola Gibson, 76, of DeSoto, Texas, and formerly of Dexter, who died Dec. 29, 2004, were: Michael Gibson, Mark Gibson, Barry Reynolds, Ben Swallows, Ray Swallows and Chris Mertens...

RENSSELAER, Ind. - James A. Ethridge, 55, died at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 28, 2004, at his home. Born Dec. 30, 1948, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., son of the late Fred Lee and Mabel Hanneman Ethridge, he was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He worked for Schumacher Electric in Rensselaer for more than 25 years and was a member of the Eagles...

DEXTER - Gabriel Sweeney, 25, died Jan. 3, 2005, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

SIKESTON -- Nellie L. Harden, 76, died at 8:30 p.m. Jan. 3, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

PARMA - Harold Simmons, 63, died Jan. 3, 2005, at his home. Born June 15, 1941, in New Madrid County, son of the late Harold and Julia Blair Simmons, he had been a machine operator for Alumax Inc. in St. Louis and was of the Baptist belief. On Oct. 21, 1963, he married Anna Boyer who survives of the home...

MALDEN - James Shaw, 85, died Dec. 31, 2004, at the home of his daughter in Malden. Born July 14, 1919, in Crenshaw, Miss., to the late Ben and Lillie Washington Harris, he lived most of his life in the Parma and Essex communities, residing in Malden since 1988. He was a retired farmer and a member of the New Mount Zion Baptist Church near Essex...

EAST PRAIRIE - William Ray Doss Sr., 41, died at 1:40 a.m. Jan. 2, 2005, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born July 31, 1963, at Mattoon, Ill., to the late Berry C. and Mary L. Martin Doss, he was a retired carpet layer and attended the Potter House Pentecostal Church in Sikeston...

ORAN - Tony "Too Tall" Wagoner, 45, died at 3:40 p.m. Jan. 2, 2005, at his home. Born Dec. 13, 1959, in Belleville, Ill., son of Patricia Rafalowski Wagoner of Stockbridge, Ga., and the late James Earl Wagoner, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Oran. He was a line technician for Nordenia USA in Jackson...

CHAFFEE - Stella Marie Carroll, 81, died at 5:45 a.m. Jan. 4, 2005, at her home. Born Dec. 6, 1923, in Parma, she was the daughter of the late Robert Plumber and Cossey Ada Ellis Sanders. On Feb. 5, 1955, she married Albert T. Carroll who preceded her in death on Aug. 23, 1994...

DEXTER - Gabriel Ryan "Gabe" Sweeney, 25, died Jan. 3, 2005, at his home. Born Feb. 28, 1979, in Sikeston, son of William Sweeney and Janet Sadler Smith of Dexter, he was employed by Arvin Meritor in Dexter. Survivors in addition to his parents include: his stepfather, Eric Smith of Dexter; stepmother, Melinda Sweeney of Dexter; three brothers, Adam Sweeney, Eric Hendrix and Andrew Sweeney of Dexter; his maternal grandmother, Carzenia Sadler of Dexter; and paternal grandmother, Mary Sweeney of Dexter.. ...

IRONTON - Ruby Alma Huffman, 92, formerly of Marquand, died Jan. 3, 2005, at the Baptist Home, where she had been a resident since 2000. Born Aug. 2, 1912, at Buckhorn, daughter of the late David Franklin and Martha Murray Gipson, she was a member of Big Creek Baptist Church in Marquand...

SIKESTON - Peggy Burns, 53, died Jan. 4, 2005, at her home. Born April 3, 1951, in Cicero, Ill., daughter of Marvin and Barbara Henrickson Shelton of Sikeston, she was a member of the Diehlstadt General Baptist Church. She had been an assistant manager for Osco Drug and was later employed as a switchboard operator for Missouri Delta Medical Center...

SIKESTON - Nellie L. Harden, 76, died at 8:30 p.m. Jan. 3, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born March 13, 1928, in Matthews, daughter of the late James Elmer and Nancy Ann Crevosieur Harden, she was a member of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church. She had been employed by the Rustic Rock and was a waitress for Lambert's Cafe for 37 years...

PADUCAH, Ky. - Glen Curtis Witt, 78, died at 8:41 p.m. Jan. 3, 2005, at Western Baptist Hospital. Born Dec. 4, 1926, in Cincinnati, son of the late Curtis and Mattie Leona Bullard Witt, he was a former fire captain for the Lone Oak Fire Department and worked in the shipping department for the Paducah Sun for 38 years before retiring. ...

SIKESTON - Margaret C. Griffin, 85, died Jan. 5, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

BERNIE - Harold E. Gromer, 77, died Jan. 4, 2005, at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Born April 6, 1927, in Morley, son of the late Ernest S. and Addie O. Mason Gromer, he was a lifelong resident of Southeast Missouri and member of the Word of Faith Christian Center in Bernie...

CASEY, Ill. - Sarah L. Henson, 64, formerly of Parma and St. Louis, Mo., died Jan. 4, 2005, at her home. Born Aug. 21, 1940, in Parma, daughter of the late John Franklin and Donna Elouise Tucker Walker, she attended the White Oak Baptist Church in Casey...

SIKESTON -- Pallbearers at services for Nellie L. Harden, 76, who died Jan. 3, 2005, will be: Eddie Hickman, Blake Hickman, Mike Quillman, Lloyd Morton, Anthony Mansfield and Larry Agee. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. Friday until service time at 11 a.m. at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for James Shaw Sr., 85, who died Dec. 31, 2004, were: Bennie Shaw, Elmer Shaw, Oscar Shaw, Morris Shaw, Bennie Shaw Jr. and Marcus Shaw. Honorary pallbearers were: Vincent Dennis, Chester Hill, Glen Cole, Mayo Shaw, Darren Shaw and Charles Hester Jr...

SIKESTON -- Wilene Smith, 77, died Jan. 5, 2005, at her home in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

BERNIE - Cinda B. Rush, 78, died Jan. 5, 2005, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie.

FLORISSANT - Dorothy Lucille 'Helen" Foster, formerly of Sikeston, died Jan. 5, 2005, following a long illness. Arrangements are incomplete at Hutchens Mortuary in Florissant.

VANDUSER - Margaret Helen Clare Griffin, 85, formerly of St. Louis, died Jan. 5, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Jan. 10, 1919, in Montgomery County, daughter of the late John Sallee and Julie See Clare, she lived on farms in central Alabama and southeast Missouri. ...

SIKESTON - Harold M. Caldwell, 77, died at 5:05 a.m. Jan. 7, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Nunnelee Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

BERNIE - Cinda Bell Keeling Rush, 78, died Jan. 5, 2005, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Aug. 7, 1926, in Newport, Ark., daughter of the late Aaron and Penelope Lay Keeling, she was a member of the Church of Christ. On Dec. 13, 1943, in Blytheville, Ark., she married Elwood Rush who survives of the home...

SIKESTON - Wilene Smith, 77, died Jan. 5, 2005, at her home. Born Aug. 27, 1927, in Crossville, Tenn., daughter of the late Franklyn Kelly and Laura Bell Bilbrey Neal, she was of the Baptist belief. In 1942, she married Guy Wright Smith who preceded her in death in January 1991...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2:30 p.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Margaret Helen Clare Griffin, 85, of Vanduser, who died Jan. 5, 2005, will be: Roy Griffin, Gary Keasler, Kevin Maxwell, Jim Sincox, Gerald Yeargain and Sonny Hodges...

CHICAGO - Melvin Lewis Moore, 49, died at 7 p.m. Jan. 5, 2005, at the St. Agnes Nursing Facility in Chicago. Born March 7, 1955, in Portageville, Mo., son of the Rev. Rea Moore of Portageville and the late Roberta Morrow Moore, he lived in Chicago for more than 25 years. He was a graduate of Portageville High School and of the Baptist belief...

SIKESTON - James William "Jim" Wagner, 65, formerly of East Prairie, died at 11:41 a.m. Jan. 6, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Sept. 12, 1939, at Walker, Minn., son of the late Jack and Ann Kepic Wagner, he was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Legion of Mary. ...

CHAFFEE - Ruby Louis Duncan, 88, died at 7:45 am Jan. 6, 2005, at the Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau. Born June 10, 1916, in Russelville, Ark., daughter of the late James Arthur and Frances Marie Floyd Mason, she was a member of the First Assembly of God Church and former member of Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 48, both in Chaffee...

WILHOIT, Ariz. - Ruth Laverne Shuffit, 76, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died at 3:45 p.m. Jan. 1, 2005, at the Hospice Family Care Center in Peoria/Sun City. Born Jan. 12, 1928, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Anthony N. and Ora Johnson Miederhoff, she was of the Catholic belief and had been employed as a scrub technician...

FLORISSANT - Dorothy Lucille 'Helen" Foster, 77, formerly of Sikeston, died Jan. 5, 2005, following a lengthy illness. Born Jan. 29, 1927, in East Prairie, daughter of the late Barney and Mabel Crowell Chism, she had been a beautician for the University of Missouri-St. ...

WILHOIT, Ariz. - Ruth Laverne Shuffit, 76, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died at 3:45 p.m. Jan. 1, 2005, at the Hospice Family Care Center in Peoria/Sun City. Born Jan. 12, 1928, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Anthony N. and Ora Johnson Miederhoff, she was of the Catholic belief and had been employed as a scrub technician...

PORTAGEVILLE - The Rev. Hershel L. Godair, 85, died Jan. 8, 2005, at the Portageville Nursing Center. Born Nov. 21, 1919, in Boekerton, son of the late Dalton and Maudie Stewart Godair, he served as pastor for the Slidell, Ind., Pentecostal Church two years, First United Pentecostal Church in Portageville 43 years and the First United Pentecostal Church in Malden for four years...

CONROE, Texas - Harold Lloyd Kitchen Sr., 71, died Jan. 5, 2005, in Conroe. Born Jan. 2, 1934, in Morehouse, Mo., son of the late William and Laura Kitchen, he was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. His wife, Margaret Lee Kitchen, survives of the home...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Sarah L. Henson, 64, who died Jan. 4, 2005, were: Jim Gamache, Kevin Hyde, Steve Hyde, Bob Chapman, Donald Tucker and Donald Henson.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Harold E. Gromer, 77, who died Jan. 4, 2005, were: Pervia Cullum, Travis Worley, Wade Pruitt, Billy Williams, Jim Pettypool, Derreck Allen, Mark Gromer and Adam Gordan...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at a funeral Mass scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for James William "Jim" Wagner, 65, who died Jan. 6, 2005, will be: Bill Palmer, John Hart, Mark Cheatham, Sonny Mandeville, Clayton Nickel and Jerry Lathum...

SIKESTON - Harold M. Caldwell, 77, died at 5:05 a.m. Jan. 7, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Arrangements are pending at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, where a memorial service is tentatively planned for Wednesday.

SIKESTON - Cora Claudette Learue, 68, died Jan. 8, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born March 5, 1936, in Scott County, daughter of the late Claude and Wilma Madison Dirickson, she was of the Baptist belief. On Dec. 3, 1974, in New Madrid, she married James M. Learue who preceded her in death on Oct. 11, 1995...

CAMPBELL - Velma Grindstaff Tesreau, 87, formerly of Bernie, died Jan. 8, 2005, at the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell. Born Feb. 16, 1917, in Stoddard County, daughter of the late George and Rachel Winemiller Gaines, she was a member of the Beechwell General Baptist Church in Campbell...

FULTON - Vera Imogene Farris, 78, formerly of Sikeston, died Jan. 7, 2005, at her home. Born June 30, 1926, in Success, Ark., daughter of the late Louis and Lola Jones Henson, she retired from nursing for the Fulton State Hospital in 1988. On Sept. 24, 1946, at Success, she married Virgil Eugene "Connie" Farris who preceded her in death on Jan. 14, 1972...

GRAYRIDGE - Bonard Newell, 78, died Jan. 9, 2005, at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Born Oct. 27, 1926, at Baldwin, Miss., son of the late Barney Lee and Lucy Reeves Newell, he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Dexter. Before retiring, he had been a farmer and was a foreman for the Sikeston Sheltered Workshop...

THOMASVILLE, Ga. - Barbara Ann Hambrick, 73, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Jan. 6, 2005, at her home. Born March 13, 1931, in Columbia, Mo., she was the daughter of the late M.L. and Mildred Canedy. On April 4, 1951, she married Robert L. Hambrick who survives of the home...

BARDWELL, Ky. - Lola M. Bright, 59, died at 3:25 a.m. Jan. 7, 2005, at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Born Jan. 21, 1945, in Wyatt, Mo., daughter of the late William and Anna Myer Nolen, she was a member of the Antioch Baptist Church. Survivors include: one daughter, Phyllis Hooper of Arlington; five sisters, Mary Marascalo of Metairie, La., Susan Bunton of Jefferson, La., Fay Groves of McKenzie, Tenn., Leah Ann Poindexter of Otisco, Ind., and Cora Thurman of Wyatt; five brothers, Frank Nolen of Monroe, La., Thomas Nolen of Charleston, Mo., John Nolen of Kenner, La., and Robert Nolen and James Nolen of Wyatt; and six grandchildren.. ...

KELSO - Viola Witt Morrison, 89, died at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 7, 2005, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 27, 1915, in St. Louis, daughter of the late Louis and Helen Loncaric Perhat, she had been a seamstress for Famous-Barr in St. Louis. A member of the Croation Fraternal Lodge St. Jacob 167 in St. Louis, she was also a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ladies Sodality and the Senior Citizens in Kelso...

SIKESTON - Harold Melvin Caldwell, 77, died at 5:05 a.m. Jan. 7, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Dec. 15, 1927, in Sikeston, son of the late Early Ernest and Beulah Calvin Caldwell, he was a truck driver for Armour Moving Van and Storage before retiring. He was a staff sergeant with the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a member of American Legion Post 114 in Sikeston...

CHARLESTON - Frances "Fran" Selle Harper, 86, died at 1:25 p.m. Jan. 8, 2005, at the Gideon Care Center in Gideon. Born May 23, 1918, in Chicago, daughter of the late Walter and Mabel Urquhart Selle, she lived in Charleston since 1945, where she was a member of the United Methodist Church and taught the Kindergarten Sunday school class for 25 years. ...

ST. LOUIS - Inez Sanford, 94, formerly of Southeast Missouri, died Jan. 7, 2005, at the Green Park Nursing Home in St. Louis. Born April 26, 1910, in Kennett, daughter of the late Daniel W. and Eva Hearn Sanford, she lived in St. Louis since 1948, where she worked in the Libson Specialty Shop. She was of the United Methodist belief...

PARMA - Bob W. Lewis, 78, died Jan. 8, 2005, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born July 8, 1926, in Parma, son of the late Nathaniel and Ida Wilson Lewis, he was a member of the Parma General Baptist Church, where he was a deacon for many years. He was employed by the Parma School System for several years...

WYATT - Carl E. Sloan, 54, died Jan. 5, 2005, at the John J. Pershing Veterans Administration Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Born May 23, 1950, in Wyatt, son of Roberta Branch Sloan of Charleston and the late Zingo Sloan, he was a graduate of Charleston High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran and had worked for a levee district...

NEW MADRID - Terra Paige Bradshaw, daughter of Amy Cossey and Brian Bradshaw of New Madrid, died at birth Jan. 8, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

GRAVOIS MILLS -- Christine Campbell, 77, formerly of Sikeston, died Jan. 10, 2005, at her home in Gravois Mills. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

SIKESTON -- Mattie Auvine Lynxwiler, 84, died Jan. 10, 2005, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

DEXTER -- Mary Jo Richmond died Jan. 11, 2005, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

DEXTER -- Patricia Carter died Jan. 11, 2005, at Northeast Arkansas Hospital in Jonesboro, Ark. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

EAST PRAIRIE - Bertha Treadwell, 84, of East Prairie died at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 11, 2004, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie is charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

PORTAGEVILLE - Cecil Young, 71, died Jan. 5, 2005, at Pemiscot Memorial Hospital in Hayti. Born March 6, 1933, in Portageville, son of the late George and Florida Smith Young, he was employed as a butcher. His wife, Lillie Walker Young, preceded him in death...

ST. LOUIS - Linley Wayne Forbis, 79, formerly of Sikeston, died at 10:45 a.m. Jan. 10, 2005, at his home. Born Jan. 27, 1925, in Holts Summit, son of the late Fred M. and Hester Windsor Forbis, he was a diesel mechanic for the Bi State Machinery Company in St. Louis and member of the Kirkwood Baptist Church. He served with the U.S. Army in World War II and was a recipient of the Purple Heart...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Monday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Velma Grindstaff Tesreau, 87, who died Jan. 8, 2005, were: Charlie Jennings, Jerrell Stone, Dawsey Lee Brown, Junior Fortner, Kenneth Fortner and R.J. Riddle.

PARMA -- Pallbearers for services held today at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Parma for Bob W. Lewis, 78, who died Jan. 8, 2005, were: Jim Lovett, Dennie Meir, Sonny Brannon, Dean Medlin, Ted Morgan and Oscar Sapp.

KEWANEE - Terra Paige Bradshaw, daughter of Amy Cossey and Brian Bradshaw of Kewanee, died at birth Jan. 8, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Survivors in addition to her parents include: one sister, Billie Christian Jade Jordan of Anniston; maternal grandparents, Jim and Shannon Cossey of Anniston and Anita Hogan and Rocky Summers of Alexander City, Ala.; paternal grandparents, Edna Graham Bradshaw of Sikeston and Joe Bradshaw of Bernie; maternal great-grandmother, Sue Kennedy of Kellyton, Ala.; paternal great-grandmother, Virginia Sims of Newsite, Ala.; maternal great-great-grandmother, Edith Cossey of Wyatt; and paternal great-great-grandfather, Hurston Sims of Milton, Fla.. ...

SIKESTON -- Mattie Auvine Lynxwiler, 84, died Jan. 10, 2005, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 4, 1920, in Loretta, Tenn., daughter of the late James C. and Donie Ezell Littrell, she moved to the Southeast Missouri area with her family in her early years. ...

TRUMANN, Ark. - Patricia Marie Carter, 71, died Jan. 11, 2005, at Northeast Arkansas Hospital at Jonesboro, Ark. Born March 18, 1933, in Anna, Ill., to the late James and Anna Lane Roe, she was a homemaker and a resident of Trumann. On Aug. 29, 1953, at Alton, Ill., she married Virgil Lee Carter, who preceded her in death on Aug. 14, 1992...

IDALIA -- Delma Obards, 85, died Jan. 9, 2005, at Poplar Bluff. Born June 20, 1919, in Idalia, she spent all her life in the Idalia and Bloomfield communities. She was a member of St. Joe General Baptist Church in Idalia. On Oct. 10, 1945, she married Cecil Obards who preceded her in death on Feb. 10, 1991...

EAST PRAIRIE - Bertha May Love Smith Treadwell, 84, of East Prairie died at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 11, 2004, at the East Prairie Nursing Center. Born Dec. 30, 1920, in Kentucky to the late Charlie and Pearl Love, she lived most of her life in Mississippi County where she owned and operated a store near the Windyville community near East Prairie. ...

DEXTER - Mary Jo Richmond, 75, died Jan. 11, 2005, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 31, 1929, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Dotson and Verna Cooper Scruggs, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter. A former teacher with the Dexter Public School System, she served two terms as president of the Dexter Community Teachers Association and was past president of the Southeast Missouri Classroom Teachers Association, past president of the Southeast Missouri District Guidance Association, past secretary/treasurer of the Missouri State Guidance Association, past member of the Legislative and Resolution Committee of the Missouri State Teachers Association, a former committee member of the University of Missouri Alumni Association and a member of the Stoddard County Retired Teachers Association.. ...

SPRINGFIELD - Harriet Lancaster Whitham, 64, formerly of East Prairie, died at 1:02 p.m. Jan. 11, 2005 at the Cox South Hospital in Springfield. Funeral arrangements, which are incomplete, are under the direction of the Shelby Funeral Home of East Prairie...

GRAVOIS MILLS -- Betty Christine Campbell, 77, died at 6:20 p.m. Jan. 10, 2005, at her home. Born March 1, 1927, in Essex, daughter of the late Jim and Lottie Grace Brannon, she had worked as a waitress and cook for many years and was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Eagles Club...

EAST PRAIRIE - J.T. Simpkins, 86, died at 1:55 p.m. Jan. 12, 2005, at the Beverly Healthcare Center in New Madrid. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

MORLEY - Con L. McArthur, 78, died Jan. 11, 2005, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Sept. 10, 1926, in Aid, he was the son of the late William Verley and Mabel Gertrude Hudson McArthur. He was a gunner's mate with the U.S. Navy on the LCI (M) 805 and participated in the Invasion of Okinawa during World War II. ...

BLUE ASH, Ohio - Frances Ann Wilcox, 65, died Jan. 11, 2005, in Blue Ash, following an extended illness. Born Nov. 24, 1939, in Dexter, Mo., daughter of the late Lynn Arthur and Charlotta Roberts Wilcox, she worked for the Candlewood Apartments for nearly 20 years...

FLORENCE, Ala. - Rita M. Hofmann, 76, formerly of Parma, Mo., died Jan. 7, 2005, in Florence. Born May 25, 1928, in Parma, daughter of the late Lee Roy and Ritta Salyer Terry, she attended Mississippi State College for Women, earned a bachelors degree in education from Delta State Teachers College and received her masters degree from the University of North Alabama. She was a retired teacher and a founding member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church...

LEBANON - Harriet Dean Whitham, 64, formerly of East Prairie, died at 1:02 p.m. Jan. 11, 2005, at the Cox South Hospital in Springfield. Born Oct. 28, 1940, daughter of the late Rolan and Gladys Lancaster, she was a member of the First Church of God in East Prairie...

SIKESTON - Margaret Nell Cox, 51, died Jan. 12, 2005, in Zion, Ill. Arrangements are incomplete at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Georgia L. Yarbery, 73, formerly of Charleston, died Jan. 11, 2005, at St. Francis Medical Center. Born Feb. 18, 1931, in Caruthersville, daughter of the late John and Helen Cook Yarbery, she retired as a cook for St. Francis Hospital. She was a member of the Holy Trinity Church of Deliverance in Charleston, where she served on the Mothers' Board...

EAST PRAIRIE - John T. "J.T." Simpkins, 86, died Jan. 12, 2005, at Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid. Born Feb. 18, 1918, in Hornersville, son of the late Earl and Bertha Brotherton Simpkins, he lived in East Prairie most of his life, where he retired from the MFA Oil Co. and was a member of the First Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers for services conducted Thursday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Christine Campbell, 77, of Gravois Mills, who died Jan. 10, 2005, were: Terry Mace, Christopher Gagnon, Dwight Young, Dale Vaughn Jr., Ricky Haynes and Bobby Haas.

SIKESTON - Margaret Nell Cox, 51, died Jan. 12, 2005, at the Cancer Research Center in Zion, Ill. Born May 15, 1953, in Sikeston, daughter of Shirley Baker McClellon of Sikeston and the late Johnny Whitaker, she was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Sikeston. She was a human research developer for the Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation...

CHAFFEE - James E. Nordin, 81, died Jan. 13, 2005, at his home. Born Feb. 8, 1923, in Chaffee, son of the late Clarence Henry and Lethie Marie Biby Nordin, he retired as a self-employed masonry worker. A U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, he was a member of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 16 in Cape Girardeau...

EAST PRAIRIE - William Hendrix, 77, died Jan. 14, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

BENTON - Ruth A. Dodson, 70, died at 1:58 a.m. Jan. 14, 2005, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Nov. 17, 1934, in Blodgett, daughter of the late Joseph Charles and Mary E. Ownesby Adams, she was a former mayor of Blodgett and member of the Blodgett Baptist Church, Benton Senior Citizens and Scott County Historical Society. A 1952 graduate of Blodgett High School, she was a sales clerk for Sears, Roebuck and Company for 20 years, retiring in 1988...

NAPLES, Fla. - Alice Marie Eby, 90, formerly of Matthews, Mo., died Jan. 14, 2005, in Naples. Born Sept. 19, 1914, in Springfield, Ark., daughter of the late Ernest Thomas and Myra Miller Bird, she was a member of the Springfield Baptist Church and active member of the Extension Club in Missouri. An avid antique collector, she also had a love for music and was a talented pianist...

PUXICO - Wayne A. Smith, 40, formerly of East Prairie, died at 7:25 p.m. Jan. 14, 2005, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Shelby Funeral Home at East Prairie in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete.

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Ivo W. Halter, 91, died Jan. 12, 2005 at the Monticello House in Jackson. Born Dec. 1, 1913, in Charleston, son of the late Michael and Mary Carlisle Halter, he was retired carpenter and member of Carpenters Local 1770. A technician with the U.S. Army during World War II, he had served as an usher for St. Mary's Cathedral...

EAST PRAIRIE -- William Terrell Hendrix, 77, died at 7:21 a.m. Jan. 14, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Aug. 3, 1927, in Henderson, Tenn., son of the late Willis Terrell and Lillie Mae Pruett Hendrix, he lived most of his life in Eat Prairie. He was a retired welder and member of the Wolf Island Baptist Church...

SIKESTON - Gregory O'Guinn, 54, of Sikeston died Jan. 14, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Blanchard Funeral Chapel in Sikeston is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete.

SIKESTON - Gregory "Greg" O'Guinn, 54, died Jan. 14, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Aug. 31, 1950, in St. Louis, son of the late Orbie and Dorotha Bushong O'Guinn, he was a member of the First United Pentecostal Church where he served as a deacon. He was former owner of G&M Automotive and was a self-employed building contractor since 1997...

SCOTT CITY - Betty LaVerne Witt, 80, died at 2:13 a.m. Jan. 16, 2005, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born Jan. 25, 1924, in Bloomington, Ill., daughter of the late Chester William and Anna "Lorene" Hickman Short, she served with the U.S. Women's Army Corps (WAC) in World War II. She was a member of Eisleben Lutheran Church in Scott City...

PUXICO - Wayne Allen Smith, 40, formerly of Puxico, died at 7:25 p.m. Jan. 14, 2005, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born July 28, 1964, in Sikeston, son of Jim and Micki Smith and Helen and Bill Lewis of East Prairie, he lived in East Prairie most of his life before moving to Puxico four years ago. He was a member of Tanner Street Church of God in Sikeston...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ponder Funeral Home for Alice Marie Eby, 90, of Naples, Fla., and formerly of Matthews, Mo., who died Jan. 14, 2005, will be: Larry Eby, Chris Mabrey, Steven Burch, Brian Menz, Keenan Carlisle and Farrell Bewely...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Frances Ann Wilcox, 65, who died Jan. 11, 2005, were: Michael Douglass, John Douglass, Andrew Douglass, Jeff Wilcox, Jay Douglass, Chad Wilcox and Jeremy Wilcox...

EAST PRAIRIE - Bobby Joe Weems, 69, died at 9:18 p.m. Jan. 16, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

DEXTER - Marilyn Agey, 80, died Jan. 18, 2005, at the Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

DEXTER - Bill Flowers, 72, died Jan. 17, 2005, at the Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.

DEXTER - Mae Lynch, 92, died Jan. 17, 2005, at Cypress Point Skilled Nursing in Dexter. Born Nov. 21, 1912, at Puxico to the late Rollo and Nora Smith, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dexter. A founding member of the Stoddard County Country Club, presently known as Hidden Trails Country Club, she was a member of the Ladies Golf Association...

EAST PRAIRIE -- Bobby Joe Weems, 69, died at 9:18 p.m. Jan. 16, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Feb. 19, 1935, in Ridgely, Tenn., son of the late James Irl and Beulah O'Dell Stinnett Weems, he had lived most of his life in East Prairie. He retired as a maintenance machinist...

DEXTER - Billy Carl Flowers, 72, died Jan. 17, 2005, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Oct. 9, 1932, in Plummerville, Ark., son of the late A.O. and Wilma Flowers, he owned Flowers' Fish Farms and was a biology, chemistry and physics teacher for the Dexter School District before retiring. ...

DEXTER - Marilyn Agey, 80, died Jan. 18, 2005, at Missouri Southern Healthcare. Born May 23, 1924, in Dexter, daughter of the late Homer and Lola Medcalf Morgan, she was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Dexter and owned the Morgan Furniture Company in Dexter...

BLOOMFIELD - Harold Alfred "Smokey" Heilman, 76, died Jan. 15, 2005, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Jan. 13, 1929, in St. Louis, son of the late Alfred and Bernice Clements Heilman, he retired from the Bloomfield School District. He was affiliated with the St. Joe General Baptist Church in Idalia...

BELLEVILLE, Ill. - Jefferson Davis "Jeff" Fox, 76, formerly of Charleston, Mo., died Jan. 13, 2005. Born April 13, 1928, in Charleston, son of the late Hascal and Hontas McCuiston Fox, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and member of Sterling Baptist Church in Fairview Heights. A former member and deacon of the Lakeview Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, he retired from the Armour Packing Company after 33 years of service. He was also a member of the Mid States Bass Club...

WILSON CITY - Pearl Williams, 104, died Jan. 15, 2005, at her home. Born Feb. 26, 1900, in Water Valley, Miss., daughter of the late Doc and Martha Williams, she lived in Missouri for more than 70 years. She was a member of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ of Wyatt...

SIKESTON - Albert Thomas, 84, died Jan. 16, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Oct. 1, 1920, in Woodruff County, Ark., son of the late Albert and Essie Mae Bell Thomas, he lived in Missouri for more than 50 years. On Oct. 3, 1948, he married Ellen Jewel Thomas who preceded him in death on Oct. 22, 1996...

KEY WEST, Fla. - Robert Kyle Watson of Key West died in his sleep after a long illness. Born in 1959, he lived in Sikeston, Kennett and Blue Springs, Mo., and Key West and was a graduate of Sikeston High School. Kyle worked as a surveyor in Miami and was proud to have helped in the building of Miami's Metro Rail...

BENTON - Florence Kathryn Ferrell, 89, died at 3:50 a.m. Jan. 19, 2005, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Born June 13, 1915, in Grayridge, daughter of the late Silas Whitney "Buck" and Rebecca Kathryn Tate Hooper, she was a member of the Unity Baptist Church in Benton and the Benton Extension Club...

RED BAY, Ala. - Lucille Sisk Elrod, 72, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Jan. 19, 2005, at the Arkansas Hospice Foundation in North Little Rock. Born Sept. 11, 1932, in Corning, Ark., she was the daughter of Myrtle Edith Webb of Poplar Bluff, Mo., and the late Pearle Webb...

EAST PRAIRIE - Teddy Bennett, 74, died at 9:40 a.m. Jan. 19, 2005, at his home. Arrangements are pending at Shelby Funeral Home, where visitation begins at 5 p.m. today.

EAST PRAIRIE - Thomas E. Schmitt, 69, formerly of Osceola, Ind., died at 9:45 a.m. Jan. 19, 2005, at his home. Born Jan. 31, 1935, in Gary, Ind., son of the late Tom B. and Barbara Millenberger Schmitt, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army and lived in East Prairie for the past 12 years...

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Margaret A. Porter, 87, died Jan. 17, 2005, at Millington Health Care. Born April 14, 1917, at Benton, Mo., daughter of the late Ben F. and Norma Pauline Tirmenstein Adams, she was a secretary for the Scott County School District for 26 years. She was a member of the Benton United Methodist Church...

DIEHLSTADT - Glenna Mae Guiling, 92, died at 2:27 p.m. Jan. 20, 2005, at the Ratliff Nursing Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Feb. 26, 1912, in Bee Branch, Ark., daughter of the late Joe and Margaret Lou Mahan Halbrook, she was a member of the Church of Christ in Charleston. She lived most of her life in Diehlstadt where she owned and operated the Guiling Shoe Outlet until her retirement...

EAST PRAIRIE - Teddy Bennett, 74, known through the region as the "Pillar of Truth," died Jan. 19, 2005, at his home in East Prairie. Teddy was a lifelong resident of Mississippi County and veteran of the Korean War. Born March 14, 1930, along the banks of the James Bayou in Dorena, Teddy rose to fame as head chef of the award-winning and nationally renowned James Bayou Catfish Cookers. ...

DEXTER - Ruth Gaylord, 79, died Jan. 20, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

SIKESTON - Virginia Colleen Chessor, 81, died at 2:36 p.m. Jan. 20, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. Born Oct. 8, 1923, in New Madrid to the late Fred and Nina Ann Robinson Eiceman, she was a housewife and a homemaker. Active in the Foster Grandparents Program with the Sikeston Public Schools, she was a member of the Tanner Street Church of God...

DEXTER - Ruth Rainey Dreadon Gaylord, 79, died Jan. 20, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Feb. 6, 1925, in Dexter, daughter of the late O.C. and Nina Norman Rainey, she was a member of the Dexter Church of Christ. She had been employed by the International Shoe Company and Elder Manufacturing before retiring...

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Virginia Colleen Chessor, 81, who died Jan. 20, 2005, will be her grandsons: Ted Chessor, David Porter, Jeff Hill, David Warren, Darryl Cooper and David Chessor...

BLOOMFIELD - Larry "Joe" Williamson, 57, died Jan. 22, 2005, at his home. Born Jan. 8, 1948, in Idalia, son of Cozette Hester Williamson of Essex and the late Parvin Williamson, he was of the Baptist belief. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, he received the Vietnam Campaign Medal and Combat Action Ribbon. He was a former employee of the Triangle PWC Wire Co. where he worked as a fork lift operator...

PANA, Ill. - Mary K. Bohannon, 63, died at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 21, 2005, at her residence in Pana. Born May 18, 1941, in Luxora, Ark., to the late Luther Franklin and Agnes Augusta Gaines Kesler, she lived in rural Sikeston, Mo., until moving to Pana in 1965. A graduate of Morehouse (Mo.) High School, she was the owner of Bohannon's Jewelry and Gifts at Pana for 27 years, a member of the First United Methodist Church of Pana and a member-at-large of Delta Theta Tau Sorority in Pana...

DEXTER - Gertrude Phillips Stevens, 90, died Jan. 21, 2005, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center at Dexter. Born Jan. 31, 1914, in Dexter to the late John and Ida Robey Phillips, she was a former church nursery worker. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one son, Charles Dennis Stevens; two brothers, Albert and William "Bill" Phillips; and two sisters, Alma Sadler and Dollie Phillips...

AMARILLO, Texas - John Kenneth Johnson, 56, died Jan. 21, 2005. Born and raised in Chaffee, Mo., he had been a resident of Amarillo since 1987. He was employed for 37 years with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and a member of the Masonic Lodge, Lubbock Scottish Rite, York Rite and Khiva Temple (Drum Corps and Oriental Band). He served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era...

SIKESTON -- Ethel Regina Everett, 71, died Jan. 23, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Sept. 17, 1933, in Light, Ark., daughter of the late Owen and Rachel Ward Everett, she worked as a telephone operator in St. Louis before retiring...

DEXTER - Lula McFall, 100, died Jan. 22, 2005, at the Missouri Southern Healthcare at Dexter. Born Aug. 7, 1904, she was a member of the Assembly of God Faith and a homemaker. On Feb. 29, 1940, in Hardin County, Ill., she married Frank McFall, who preceded her in death on Sept. 27, 1973...

NAPLES, Fla. - Robert H. Hunter, 85, of East Prairie, Mo., died Jan. 23, 2005, at Naples. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

PUXICO -- Fenton H. Langston, 82, died Jan. 23, 2005, at Puxico Nursing Center. Born Feb. 10, 1922, at Puxico, son of the late John Robert and Eunice Martin Langston, he was a retired farmer and a retired employee of IXL Handle Co. and the Puxico Nursing Center. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served in the Rhineland, Central Europe and European-African Campaigns during World War II. He attended the Assembly of God Church in Puxico...

CHAFFEE -- Andy L. Halter Sr., 85, died at 12:15 p.m. at the Chaffee Nursing Center. Born Nov. 30, 1919, in Scott County, son of the late Frank and Rose Glastetter Halter, he retired in 1998 as a foreman for the Little River Drainage District in Cape Girardeau County. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served in the 84th Infantry Division during World War II...

NEW MADRID - Van H. Sharp Jr., 88, of New Madrid died Jan. 21, 2005, at Methodist North Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Born Dec. 16, 1916, in Gideon, he was the son of the late Van H. Sharp Sr. and Mamie Maude Waltrip-Sharp. On June 24, 1951, in Cadiz, Ky., he married Rebecca Della Hughes, who survives of the home...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Mary Berneda LaFentres, 84, formerly of Sikeston, died Jan. 24, 2005, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born July 18, 1920, in Sikeston, she was the daughter of the late Roy and Mary R. Zoph Chaney. On Aug. 6, 1938, in Sikeston, she married Jess LaFentres who preceded her in death on Dec. 11, 1981...

SIKESTON -- Ethel Regina Everett, 71, died Jan. 23, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Sept. 17, 1933, in Light, Ark., daughter of the late Owen and Rachel Ward Everett, she worked as a telephone operator in St. Louis before retiring...

PUXICO -- Pallbearers for services conducted Tuesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Puxico for Fenton Langston, 82, who died Jan. 23, 2005, were: Randy Williams, James Wamsley, Jason Beard, Jeff Beard, Vernon Wamsley and Mike Morrow.

COMMERCE - Betty Jane Gibbar, 69, died Jan. 26, 2005, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

CANALOU - Jerry Hicks, 66, died at 7:33 p.m. Jan. 25, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

CHARLESTON -- Hattie Mae Kimble, 93, died Jan. 21, 2005, at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Chicago. Born Oct. 11, 1911, in Midway, Ala., daughter of the late Leondas and Clara Hall/Lane, she had lived in Missouri for many years. She was a member of Perry Chapel A.M.E. Church and president of the Stewardess Board...

SIKESTON - Cleatus G. Lemmons, 84, of Sikeston Route 1, died Jan. 26, 2005 at Missouri Delta Medical Center after a short illness. He was born March 15, 1920 in Randolph County, Ark, to Arch Clayton Lemmons and Hassel Allison Lemmons. Lemmons was a veteran of World War II. ...

COMMERCE - Betty Jane Gibbar, 69, died at 4:30 a.m. Jan. 26, 2005, at her home. Born April 30, 1935, in Lilbourn, daughter of the late Albert and Gladys Jones Vincent, she was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Sikeston. On Sept. 23, 1950, at Piggott, Ark., she married John "Mike" Gibbar who survives of the home...

CHARLESTON - Joyce Marie Riley, 34, died Jan. 22, 2005, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born May 18, 1970, in Charleston, daughter of Otha Riley of Charleston and Josh Oscar Miller Jr. of Fort Wayne, Ind., she was a member of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Wyatt. She was a certified nurse aide for many years and later became a medical technician and general practical nurse...

BENTON - Jerome Ervin Bucher, 67, died at 2:34 p.m. Jan. 26, 2005, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 13, 1937, in New Hamburg, son of the late Cletus and Clara Gosche Bucher, he was a farmer. He had also worked for Florsheim Shoe and in the laundry department for St. Francis Medical Center. A member of St. Denis Catholic Church, he was also a member of Knights of Columbus Council 4311 in Oran...

NEW MADRID - Elgin Johnson, 46, died Jan. 19, 2005, at Beverly Healthcare in New Madrid. Born June 4, 1958, he was the son of L.J. "Louis" Johnson and Francis Minner Johnson. Services were conducted at 1 p.m. today at Richards Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry White officiating...

CANALOU - The Rev. Jerry Lloyd Hicks, 66, died at 7:33 p.m. Jan. 25, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born March 31, 1938, at Elkland, son of the late Jesse Leroy ad Laura Lipe Hicks, he served with the U.S. Navy in Guam following the Korean War. ...

SIKESTON - Blanche Jones, 94, died Jan. 26, 2005, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center. Born July 26, 1910, in Bloomfield, daughter of the late Charles and Mae "Babe" Hibbs Mayo, she was a member of Rauch-Spence Methodist Church and was a private duty nurse before retiring...

DEXTER - Gladys Farmer, 75, died Jan. 26, 2005, at her home. Born Aug. 30, 1929, in Advance, she was the daughter of the late John Joseph and Millie Marie Elledge Dunning. She was a member of the First Pentecostal Church and had been employed by the International Hat Company in Dexter...

STURDIVANT - Hurshel E. "Gene" Smith, 79, formerly of Pyletown, died Jan. 25, 2005, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born April 7, 1925, in Pyletown, son of the late William Francis and Minnie Kay Eaves Smith, he lived in Sturdivant for the past seven years and was a retired truck driver and farmer. A member of the Bridge Church of Christ, he also attended the Bethel Church near Advance. He was a veteran of World War II and member of the Masonic Lodge in Bernie...

ST. CHARLES - Bob Chitty, 77, formerly of Scott City, died Jan. 26, 2005, in St. Charles. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

EAST PRAIRIE - Robert H. Hunter, 85, died at 2:30 a.m. Jan. 23, 2005, in the Naples (Fla.) Community Hospital. Born Jan. 17, 1920, near East Prairie, son of the late Robert William and Susie Mae Woodward Hunter, he lived in East Prairie most of his life and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired as postmaster for the East Prairie Post Office and was a member of Nelson United Methodist Church...

BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. - Olive Ilene Eldridge, 84, formerly of Charleston, Mo., died at 11:42 a.m. Jan. 26, 2005, at the Great Rivers Medical Center in Blytheville. Born Oct. 31, 1929, at Supply, daughter of the late Grady Cephues and Cassie Jane Roberts Curtis, she lived most of her life in Charleston where she worked for the fitting department of the Brown Shoe Company until her retirement. She was a member of the Gravel Ridge Baptist Church...

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. - Merlin G. Sanders, 65, died Jan. 24, 2005, at the Clement J. Zablocki Medical Center in Milwaukee. Born July 24, 1939, in Vanduser, Mo., son of the late John G. and Amo Sindle Sanders, he served with the U.S. Navy from 1957-60. A contractor for 40 years, he owned and operated Fantasy Hills Ranch in Delaven. During the summer months he and his wife owned and operated the Kilbourn Inn Motel and their second home is in New River, Ariz...

MARBLE HILL - Connie Barringer, 53, formerly of St. Louis, died Jan. 14, 2005, at St. John's Medical Center in Tulsa, Okla. Born July 30, 1951, in Fort Ord, Calif., daughter of Dorothy Tanksley of East Prairie and the late Wayne Zook, she lived in St. Louis most of her life. She was an international travel consultant for the Maritz-Carlson Travel Co. in St. Louis for many years...

ARLINGTON, Va. - John H. Adams, 86, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Jan. 18, 2005, at his home. Born Nov. 2, 1918, in Sikeston, son of the late Dr. Lawrence B. and Beatrice O'Connell Adams, he was a veteran of World War II. He was a graduate of the journalism school at the University of Missouri-Columbia and retired as managing editor of U.S. News and World Report...

PUXICO - Louise Henson, 83, died Jan. 27, 2005, at Pine Lawn Residential Care in Puxico. Born Jan. 25, 1922, in Clarksville, Ark., daughter of the late Thomas H. and Ruby Harvey Griffin, she lived in Puxico most of her life and was a member of the Providence Missionary Baptist Church near Puxico. She had been a clerk for the Puxico Mercantile and also worked with her husband for Watkins and Sons Funeral Service from 1984 to 1994...

SIKESTON - Kenneth Walker, 78, formerly of East Prairie, died at 10 p.m. Jan. 27, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Shelby Funeral Home.

SIKESTON - Pallbearers at services scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel for Cleatus Glenn Lemmons, 84, who died Jan. 26, 2005, will be: Matthew Hargrove, Barrett Lemmons, Logan Lemmons, Ross Lemmons, Drew Hargrove, Eric Erger, Shawn Deal and Michael Smith...

SIKESTON - J.C. Phillips, 81, died at 12:45 p.m. Jan. 27, 2005, at his home. Born June 24, 1923, in White Oak, son of the late Henry and Ivy Morris Phillips, he was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a farmer and member of Shady Acres Church of Christ...

MAYWOOD, Ill. - Molly Agnes Townsend, 81, died Jan. 26, 2005, at her son's home, where she resided. Born Sept. 23, 1923, at Hayti, Mo., she was the daughter of the late John and Josephine Townsend. She lived in Sikeston, Mo., for many years where she was a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church...

SIKESTON - Kenneth R. Walker, 78, formerly of East Prairie, died at 9:30 p.m. Jan. 27, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Born Jan. 14, 1927, in Anniston, son of the late William Eugene and Blanche Oliphant Walker, he lived in Mississippi County most of his life, where he retired as an auto mechanic. He was a former member of the First Baptist Church and Kiwanis Club in East Prairie...

PUXICO - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Louise Henson, 83, who died Jan. 27, 2005, were: David Scott, Taylor Burge, Colby Burge, Paul Roberts and Clay Harty.

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Friday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Gene Smith, 79, who died Jan. 25, 2005, were: Jerry Foster, Ray McCormick, Drew Norman, Mark Cato, Jack Wayne Palmer and Gene Kirby.

ST. LOUIS - Dortha Ellen Burkhart, 74, died Jan. 27, 2005, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter. Born July 5, 1930, at Bernie, daughter of the late Robert Issac and Suzy Tuttle Bennett, she had been a bookkeeper for the Mercantile Bank in St. Louis...

BLOOMFIELD - Irene Taylor died Jan. 29, 2005, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Arrangements are incomplete at Chiles-Cooper Funeral Home.

PUXICO -- Harrell Verdell Grindstaff, 79, died Jan. 29, 2005, at Puxico Nursing Center. Born Aug. 7, 1925, in Arab, son of the late John and Louella Grindstaff, he had spent 30 years in Alton, Ill., and returned to Puxico in 1974. He retired from Lacled Steele in Alton and was a member of the Brown General Baptist Church near Puxico...

BERNIE - John Robert Bansept, 70, died Jan. 28, 2005, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center at Memphis, Tenn. Born June 6, 1934, to the late John and Elizabeth Bansept, he was a former cashier in a convenience store and attended the Church of God of Prophecy in Bernie. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he was a member of the American Legion...

SIKESTON -- Nellie Anna Lambert, 89, formerly of Blodgett, died at 7:15 a.m. Jan. 30, 2005, at Clearview Nursing Center. Born Jan. 1, 1916, in Blodgett, daughter of the late John and Nettie Cauthorn Boston, she was a cook for Kelly High School and worked in food service with the University of Missouri Extension program for 10 years. A member of Vanduser church of Christ, she was also a housewife...

SIKESTON - Frankie L. Neal, 88, died at 9:10 a.m. Jan. 30, 2005, at Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston. Born Feb. 29, 1916, in Ouachita County, Ark., daughter of the late Lee and Laura Jones Walker, she was a housewife. On Oct. 9, 1937, she married C.S. "Clinton" Neal who preceded her in death in September 1972...

BERTRAND -- Monty Doyle George, 41, died at 1:49 p.m. Jan. 29, 2005, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born Aug. 14, 1963, in Charleston, son of Doyle George of Durham, N.C., and the late Delores Ann Groves George, he had lived in Mississippi County most of his life and had been employed by the maintenance department at TA Truck Co. at Matthews...

BLOOMFIELD - Irene Taylor, 89, died Jan. 29, 2005, at the Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born Jan. 16, 1916, at Hornersville to the late William and Mary Foster Kennett, she lived most of her life in the Bloomfield community. A retired employee of the SEMO Electric, she was a former employee of Elder Manufacturing Co. and taught in the Swinton and Philadelphia schools. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bloomfield where she participated in the Helping Hands Ladies group...

PORTAGEVILLE - Hattie P. Hankins, 95, died Jan. 31, 2005, at the Gideon Care Center in Gideon. DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete.