Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of December 9, 2020 Velda "Jeanie" Bax Velda "Jeanie" Bax of St. James, Missouri was born in Carmen, Oklahoma on February 14, 1931 to Christian and Edith (Bailey) Hoiberg and passed away Friday, December 4, 2020 at the age of 89 years. On March 26, 1966 Jeanie married James Otto Bax. Jeanie worked for Dr. Stricker and Dr. Butts as a bookkeeper, while also doing the books for her and James's auto repair shop. She really enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. James always planted a big vegetable garden and Jeanie spent the summer canning and freezing the harvest so they could have fresh vegetables to last through the winter. Spring and summer brought the couple out to yard sales, they loved to go and scout out the bargains, paying close attention if there were any fishing equipment they could purchase. She was preceded in death by her parents, Christian and Edith Hoiberg; husband, James Otto Bax; and a brother, William Field. She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Merrell and husband Franklin of Flat, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Because of Covid-19 the funeral services were private. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Julia "Julie" Ann Burgess Julia "Julie" Ann Burgess of St James, Missouri was born September 24, 1954 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Tommy and Edith Bergmann DeGroat and passed away Friday, November 27, 2020, at the age of 66 years. On April 5, 1973, in Dixon, Missouri she was united in marriage to Fred J.Burgess. Julie's parents lived in Germany during war time. Julie spent most of her childhood living in Dixon, Missouri. Julie worked as a homemaker, worked at DeLuca Bakery in St. James, Missouri and at Delano Gas Station in Rolla, Missouri. Julie loved playing Bingo and other games with her family during the holidays. She could be somewhat competitive, but more than anything loved to laugh. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Fred J. Burgess; son, Tommy Burgess of Rolla, Missouri; daughter, Jennifer Simmons and husband Casey of Devils Elbow, Missouri; one brother, Adrian DeGroat; sisters, Beatrice Prewett and Barbara Armstrong of St. James, Missouri; three grandsons, Robert Burgess, Cole Simmons, and Hunter Simmons; nieces, Andrea Fox, Renee DeGroat, and April Nicholson; nephews, Leaman Crews and Joshua Prewett; great nephew, Michael DeGroat; great niece, Kira Watson; other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday December 2, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri with Jason Tucker of Landmark Baptist Church of Rolla, Missouri officiating. Services were streamed live on Jones Funeral Home St. James, MO Facebook page. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Lester V. Davis Lester V. Davis was born on November 24, 1925 to Rev. Henry Davis and Cordia (Towell) Davis in Rolla, Missouri and passed away Friday, November 27, 2020 at the age of 95 years. On May 4, 1946 he married Bette Ann (Walker) Davis. They spent their entire life in the Rolla, Missouri area and were very actively involved in church work their entire life. He pastored the Vichy Community Church for several years. He was one of 12 siblings, seven of whom were pastors. Lester and Bette owned and operated D&D Carpet cleaning business for many years. Lester enjoyed attending Southern Gospel sings. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Cordia Davis; wife of over 73 year, Bette Ann Davis; six brothers, Raymond (Jean), Wilbur (Ferrol), Leonard (Eunice), Wilson (Opal), Edmond (Fern), and infant, Henry Davis Jr.; and three sisters, Eula (Gene) Gabel, Dorothy (Everett) Daniels and Roberta (Floyd) Roberts. He is survived by a brother, Larry (Roberta) Davis of Rolla, Missouri; sister, Rosemary (Don) Chambers of St. James, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Shiela (Luther) Fryer of Rolla, Missouri and Iva Lea Jurgensmeyer of Vichy, Missouri; brother-in-law, Duane Walker of Belle, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Graveside service was held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Rolla, Missouri with the Rev. Larry Davis officiating. Because of Covid-19, those attending were asked to please wear facemasks and practice social distancing. Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Ruby Jeanette Hendryx Ruby Jeanette (nee Woods) Hendryx of Leasburg, Missouri was born January 25, 1956 in St. Louis, Missouri to Buddy and Bertha Brooks Woods and passed away Thursday, December 3, 2020 at the age of 64 years, 10 months and 9 days. On April 1, 1987 in Reno, Nevada, Ruby married Thomas G. Hendryx. Ruby served our country honorably in the U.S. Army from 1978 to 1986. She was employed as a secretary for an appraisal firm for several years. Ruby lived in California for many years and moved back to Missouri in 2008. She loved to play Bingo and was a Raider's and San Francisco 49'ers football fan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Buddy and Bertha Woods; two brothers, Buddy Steven Woods and Paul James Woods; and one sister, Barbara Jane Comfort. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Thomas Hendryx of Leasburg, Missouri; one brother, Robert Lee Woods of Oâ'Fallon, Missouri; one sister, Betty Ann Woods of Defiance, Missouri; other relatives and friends. The family chose cremation as the final disposition. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Homer Eugene "Gene" Hodge Homer Eugene "Gene" Hodge of Rolla, Missouri was born in Vichy Missouri to Charley and Lola (Cook) Hodge on February 10, 1931 and passed away Monday, November 30, 2020 at the age of 89 years, 9 months and 20 days. He married Peggy Scrivner on November 11, 1950. On July 14, 1973 he married Judith Eaker Cape. In 1975 Gene accepted the Lord as his savior and was baptized at the Church of God in Rolla. He loved to sing specials in church. He attended the First Assembly of God in Rolla, Missouri. Gene worked for the state of Missouri Department of Corrections and retired from there on May 1, 1999. Prior to that he sold used cars working with his brother Levi and cousin Paul. Gene also worked driving charter buses to 49 states and Canada. He owned and operated his own used car sales lot in Rolla and St. James, Missouri retiring for the second time from that in 2008. After retiring Gene and Judith traveled. Gene would entertain his grandchildren with singing and acting out the songs. Songs such as Simon Slick and The Old Grey Mare. He always had a "bird" in his pocket for the grandchildren and would whistle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charley and Lola Hodge; his parents-in-law, Clifford and Berniece Eaker; the mother of his children, Peggy Armstrong; son and daughter-in-law, Bobby Gene (Twyla) Hodge; daughter, Teresa Hodge Lewis; brother, Levi (Wanda) Hodge; sister, Leora (Perry) Metcalf and brothers-in-law, Tom Eaker and Gerald Eaker. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Judith Hodge of the home; children, Steve (Donna) Hodge of San Antonio, Texas, Sherrie (Al) Christian of Buffalo, Missouri, Kathy (Johnny) Denham of Vacaville, California, Lynn (David) Fessler of Yukon, Oklahoma, Marsha (Charlie) Light of Steelville, Missouri and Michael (Julie) Cape of Rolla, Missouri; son-in-law, Steve Lewis; 20 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Donna Eaker of Brookfield, Connecticut and Ruth Ann Eaker of Geneseo, Illinois; other relatives and friends. Pallbearers were Michael Light, Joshua Cape, Paul Stoner, Andrew Copple, Stephan Copple and Hunter Bell. Honorary pallbearers were Damon Harris, Brad Hodge, Jared Hodge, Luke Christian, Joseph Denham, Jacob Denham, Phillip Fessler, Taylor Oxner and Jacob Oxner. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on December 5, 2020 at the Null and Son Funeral Home, Rolla, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on December 5, 2020 at the Null and Son Funeral Home, Rolla, Missouri with Pastor Chuck Whitmire and Pastor Ray Cook officiating. Giving eulogies were daughters Kathy Denham and Marsha Light. Interment was in the Macedonia Cemetery in Rolla, Missouri. The service was live streamed on Null and Son Funeral Home Facebook page. Arrangements under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla, Missouri. Vickie Huff Vickie Huff of St. James, Missouri was born July 1, 1956 in Elgin, Illinois to Norman and Faye Parris Lenderman and passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the age of 64 years. She married Randal Huff on December 25, 1975 in O'Fallon, Missouri. She loved her crafts, spending time with grandchildren and watching her squirrels. She was preceded in death by father, Norman Lenderman. She is survived by her husband, Randal Huff of St. James, Missouri; one daughter, Ginger Apollo and husband Matthew of St. James, Missouri; mother, Faye Lenderman; two brothers, Thomas Lenderman and Ronald Lenderman of O'Fallon, Missouri; one sister, Pamela Sue Lenderman of Arnold, Missouri; four grandchildren, Taylor Brennan, McKenzie Brennan, Elainah Apollo and Jonathan Apollo; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 1-2 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Funeral service were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Michael Joseph "Tiny" Keen Michael Joseph "Tiny" Keen of Steelville, Missouri was born on Thursday, August 28, 1969 in Bonne Terre, Missouri to Larry Joseph and Mary Lou (Sansoucie) Keen and passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at the age of 51 years, 2 months and 29 days. Tiny grew up in Bonne Terre, Missouri until he and his family moved to Viburnum, Missouri while he was in high school and graduated with the Class of 1987. After graduating highschool he went to the Nashville Auto Diesel College where he received his education to be an autobody technician. He then went to work with Bob Brown in Rolla, Missouri until he decided that career wasn't the right fit for him and went to school for his life calling where he got his license to become an EMT and paramedic. On April 9, 1994 he married Jamie Sue Williams at the 1st Baptist Church in Viburnum, Missouri. Tiny was a police officer in Viburnum, Missouri and also ran the ambulance department there. He then moved to Steelville, Missouri where he worked on the Steelville Fire Department for 25 years where he served as an assistant chief and retired as a medical officer. Tiny always served the public in an emergency assistance capacity. He worked for Rolla, St. James, Viburnum, Steelville and North Crawford ambulances and was on the 911 board of directors. He served as the Mayor of Steelville for four years. Tiny also collected toy emergency vehicles. He was baptized at the 2nd Baptist Church of East Bonne Terre in 1977 and rededicated his life in 1997. He enjoyed NASCAR, going to PDRA races with Moose and delivering trailers. Surprisingly, he liked to golf and he enjoyed to shoot guns. He loved to sing karaoke with his dad and country music, especially the old stuff. He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry Keen and Mary Lou Williams; and grandparents. He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Keen of Viburnum, Missouri; sister, Melissa Lamberth of Cook Station, Missouri; granddaughter, London Keen of Viburnum, Missouri; special nephew, Braeden Lamberth of Cook Station, Missouri; special friend, Loren "Moose" Wilson of Cuba, Missouri; aunts, Bonnie Koller of Park Hills, Missouri, Lois Leftridge and Mary Sansoucie, both of Bonne Terre, Missouri; uncle, Karl Sansoucie of Arkansas; other relatives and friends. Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Funeral service was at 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 2, 2020 with Michael Abbott and Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. The service was live-streamed on the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville's Facebook Page. The family chose cremation as his final disposition. Pallbearers were Loren "Moose" Wilson, Paul Keen, John Keen, Bill Patt, Steven Lefler, Richy Gillam, Colby Hemby, Mike Plank, Eric Chandler, James Jones, Keith Young and Mike Sherman. Honorary pallbearers were Mike Simpson, Braeden Lamberth, Karen Isgrig and Michael Abbott. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Jerry Edward Kline Jerry Edward Kline of Vichy, Missouri was born July 20, 1944, at Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Lawrence T. and Mickey Jean (Banks) Kline and passed away Monday, November 30, 2020, at the age of 76 years. He married Janet D. Counts on August 10th, 1963 in Sullivan Missouri. Jerry was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to fish and hunt. He enjoyed the waters of Lake Taneycomo in Branson, the Gasconade River and especially the mighty Mississippi. One time Jerry was fishing the Mississippi for catfish and hooked a 44-pound catfish on a rod and reel. He had the head-mounted and was featured in the Missouri Field and Stream Magazine. It was a record catfish caught on a rod and reel at the time. He also enjoyed hunting squirrels, deer and turkey. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet; one daughter, Theresa Payne and husband Todd of St. Louis, Missouri; two sons, Jeff Kline of Sullivan, Missouri and Jerry and wife Diane Kline of Sullivan Missouri; one brother, Larry G. Kline and wife Sue of Bourbon, Missouri; six grandchildren, Jacob, Diana, Sarah, Laura, Madison and Reese; great grandchildren, Salena, Gabriel, Liam, Lucy, Landyn and one due in January; other relatives and friends. Due to the COVID-19 illness that took him from a healthy person to his death in a very short time, the family will celebrate his life at a private gathering. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Leslie "Butch" Koerber Leslie "Butch" Koerber of St. James, Missouri was born on June 17, 1943 to Louis Henry and Maudie Rhea French Koerber and passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the age of 77 years. He married Marlene Southard on November 17, 1962 at the Broadway Baptist Church in St. James, Missouri. He attended elementary school in Vichy, Missouri. He attended high school in Rolla, Missouri and graduated in 1961. Butch enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard in March of 1964. He was a member of the 1438th Engineering Company in Rolla, Missouri. He received orders to report for active duty to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina in May 1964. He was released from active duty in October 1964. He served in the 1438th Engineering Company in Rolla for 11 years. He attained the rank of SP6-E6 being a personnel specialist. He worked at Ozark Equipment repairing small engines. His work career then led him to Montgomery Ward and Johnson, Stevens and Shinkel Shoe Factory, both located in Rolla and Quaker Window and Door Co. in Freeburg, Missouri. On March 15, 1962 he started working for the St. James Bank in bookkeeping. He worked for the St. James Bank until May 1984. While working at the bank, he attained many positions working through the ranks to the position of Executive Vice President. He worked at Centere Bank in Rolla as a consultant and later for St. James Credit Company from 1986-2005 as Vice President and office manager. After leaving the St. James Bank he received his diploma in Pastorial Ministries from the External Division of the Southern Baptist Seminaries in Nashville, Tennessee in 1984. He pastored at many churches. At 17 years old he became Sunday School Superintendent for the first time. He and his wife, Marlene directed numerous Christmas programs and Vacation Bible Schools. He was ordained as a deacon in January 1965. He served as chairman of the deacons for 20 years until he was ordained into the ministry. He has attended First Baptist Church in Rolla, Missouri upon retiring from the ministry in 2005. Butch enjoyed farming on his wife's family farm. In 1976 after Marlene's dad had passed away, they began raising feeder calves, moving to a cow-calf operation a few years later. They retired from farming around 2001. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce while working at the bank and worked many fall festivals. For 11 years, he was a member of the American Legion Post 607. He served as Phelps County Commander, Post Commander and finance officer. He was a board member of the Veteran's Home Assistance League for over 30 years. He was Cubmaster for Pack 95 for three years and Unit Commissioner for Boys Scouts of America. He coached Kiwanis basketball and baseball. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Maudie Koerber; brothers, Lawrence Koerber and Joe Koerber; and sisters, Bonnie Dillon and Sandy Elliott. He is survived by his wife, Marlene of St. James, Missouri; son, Bruce Koerber and wife Robin of Nixa, Missouri; grandsons, Bryson and Brayden Koerber; sisters, Viola Anderson and husband Charles of Troy, Missouri and Sharon Sullivan and husband Bill of Lee's Summit, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Ann Koerber of St. James, Missouri and Rosemary Koerber of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; brother-in-law, Rick Elliott of Fulton, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the First Baptist Church in Rolla, Missouri with Bob Johnston officiating. Hymns of "Because He Lives" "Just A Closer Walk with Thee" and "Amazing Grace" were sung by Bruce and Beki Wade with Jeanette Ashley as pianist. Pallbearers were Scott Anderson, Darrel Koerber, Greg Dillon, Jason Fuller, Kerry Feeler and Scott Feeler. Interment was in the Broadway Memorial Cemetery in St. James, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Dawn Renee McCoy Dawn Renee McCoy (nee Palmer) of Bourbon, Missouri was born on Friday, June 11, 1976 in Sullivan, Missouri to Billie Joe and Sandra Renee (Cox) Palmer and passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at the age of 44 years, 5 months and 20 days. Dawn attended church as a youngster and accepted the Lord early in life. Dawn married Anthony Christopher McCoy on January 14, 1994 in Sullivan, Missouri. She worked as a nurse's aide at Redwood Manor Care Center. She liked going to the river with her mom and son, Christopher. She also would take him to the park to play and enjoy the outdoors. She loved making crafts with her grandma, especially scrapbooking and painting ceramics. She was an avid Bingo player. She usually won whenever she played. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Otto (Lola) Palmer, Roy Cox Jr., Harry Hickenbothen and Henry (Ethel) Lore; uncle, David Britton; and aunts, Tricia Hoehne and Janet Johaning. She is survived by her husband, Anthony McCoy of Sullivan, Missouri; son, Christopher John McCoy of Bourbon, Missouri; mother, Sandra Britton of Cuba, Missouri; father, Billie Joe (Willie) Palmer of Sullivan, Missouri; parents-in-law, Earl (Susan) McCoy Sr. of Bourbon, Missouri; grandmother, Shirley Jean Hickenbothen of Tuscumbia, Missouri; brothers, Joey (Mary Kris) Palmer of Rogersville, Missouri and Justin Hillman of St. Clair, Missouri; sister, Amanda (Russell) McGuinnis of St. Peters, Missouri; brother-in-law, Earl (Tracy) McCoy Jr. of Bourbon, Missouri; special friend, Lisa Goodwin of Sullivan, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, December 7, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 7, 2020 with Pastor Michael Stephens officiating. The family chose cremation as her final disposition. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. William "Bill" Moreland William "Bill" Moreland of Wesco, Missouri was born on Monday, August 12, 1935 in Vichy, Missouri to William "Elmer" and Gladys (Cook) Moreland and passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020 at the age of 85 years, 3 months and 15 days. Bill graduated from St. James High School in 1954. He married Iris Fairy Earney in St. James, Missouri on Friday, September 13, 1957. He spent nine years in the National Guard where he constructed floatable bridges, ending up a Sergeant with an E5 ranking. He worked for Dr. Stricker where he gained his knowledge and experience running heavy equipment and then worked for Ray Boston Construction for 14 years. He moved on to work for McCarthy Brothers Construction Company for many years until retirement where he ran everything but a crane. He was a member of Local #513 Operator Engineers Union. As a youngster, Bill loved to coon hunt. He won numerous trophies and was a member of a coon hunting club. During his life his hobbies included hunting, boating, fishing, gigging and welding. He was an outstanding mechanic and could fix or weld anything. He would dig ponds, lakes and foundations for people. He also cut grass and kept Wesco looking like a park. He even took people to work during bad weather since he could manage the Wesco Hill. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Gladys Moreland; parents-in-law, Marion "Bill" and Minnie Lee (Gibbs) Earney; brothers, Kenneth (Rachel) Moreland and Robert Moreland; niece, Sherri Whitaker; and nephew, Billy Dan Earney. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Iris Moreland of Wesco, Missouri; children, Vickie (Leonard) Munton of Steelville, Missouri and Patrick (Michelle) Moreland of Wesco, Missouri; grandchildren, Mark (Nicole) Beezley of Steelville, Missouri, Kimberlee (James) Cook of Sullivan, Missouri and Austin Moreland of Wesco, Missouri; great grandchildren, Zoey Cook and Lydia Cook of Sullivan, Missouri; siblings, Bernice (Wally) Jones of Rolla, Missouri, Wayne (Joy) Moreland of Savage, Minnesota, James (Helen) Moreland of Vienna, Missouri, Margaret Feeler-Ridenhour and Janet (Robert) Roach, both of Rolla, Missouri and Donald (Stephanie) Moreland of Tipp City, Ohio; brother-in-law, Danny (Kathy) Earney of Steelville, Missouri; sister-in-law, Glenda (Jack) Moreland Davis of Haughton, Louisiana; family member, Tom Beezley of Steelville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2020 with Rev. Don Wissmann officiating. The family chose cremation as his final disposition. Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Lawrence "Larry" William O'Neal Lawrence "Larry" William O'Neal of Cuba, Missouri was born on August 13, 1970 in Sullivan, Missouri to Glenda (Dickerson) and Larry O'Neal and passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020 at the age of 50 years. Lawrence attended school in Arkansas. Lawrence was employed as a laborer and supervisor while working construction in Florida. He was preceded in death by his mother, Glenda (Dickerson) O'Neal; and a brother, Richard Ray Adams. He is survived by his father and step mother, Larry and Teresa O'Neal of Centertown, Missouri; one daughter, Jessica Marie Swinson of Cocoa, Florida; sister, Kimberly L. Collier of London, Kentucky; other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements under the direction of Rolla Cremation and Memorial in Rolla, Missouri. Louis "Pete" Dean Righter Louis "Pete" Dean Righter of Steelville, Missouri was born on Wednesday, April 26, 1944 in St. Louis City, Missouri to Maurice F. and Helen B. (Potter) Righter and passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at the age of 76 years, 6 months and 29 days. Pete was raised by his Granny, Lottie Potter and "Aunt Babe" Elenora Shedd in Eminence, Missouri. He graduated from Eminence High School with the Class of 1962. He married Barbara Hellen Ruble on September 6, 1963 at the old Center Point Baptist Church in Steelville, Missouri by Rev. Ernest Snodgrass. Pete worked at Merritt Sawmill and Reed Lumber before moving to Wisconsin, where they lived for three years and he worked buying walnut timber. After they returned to Steelville, Missouri he started Righter Logging which became a lifelong career for him and his son Jimmy. He also worked with Bill Missey and Larry Adams on occasion. Pete belonged to the Steelville Fire Department for over 15 years where he served on the board and was a Safety Officer. He accepted the Lord early in life and attended Straightway Baptist Church. Pete enjoyed watching hummingbirds and going out to his shed to listen to the rain. He looked forward to planting cornfields each year with his great grandson, Trysten. He enjoyed to fish, hunt and gig. Pete was a man to look up to and taught his family many life lessons. He was preceded in death by his father, Maurice F. Righter; step mother, Hazel Righter; grandparents, Lottie Potter and Louis "Date" (Lola) Potter; special aunt, "Aunt Babe" parents-in-law, Voyd and Lucille Ruble; half-sister, Joyce Alexander; brothers-in-law, Mark Anderson and Bill Wood Sr.; sister-in-law, Shirley (John) Eaton; and uncle, Louis (Bartley) Potter. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barb Righter of Steelville, Missouri; children, Lisa (Danny) Brooks of Steelville, Missouri, Becky (Kim) Eaton of Cherryville, Missouri and Jimmy (Tonia) Righter of Steelville, Missouri; grandchildren, Robbie Brooks (Miranda), Brad Brooks (Beth), Candice (Robbie) Richter, Ethan Righter and Rylee Righter, all of Steelville, Missouri and Logan Eaton (Makala) of Cherryville, Missouri; great grandchildren, Kaylee, Peyton, Jaxson, Kelcee, Ryker, Cash, Charlie, Trysten, Garrett, Emmitt, Raygan, Camden, Briley, Stetson and babies Raylynn Richter and Blakely Eaton on the way; mother, Helen Alexander of Boca Raton, Florida; siblings, Rick (Lorna) Righter and Susan Anderson (companion Richard Donahue), both of New Glarus, Wisconsin and Janet (Ray "Butch" Garms of Fayette, Missouri and Dora Carey of Boca Raton, Florida; brother-in-law, Gene (Mae) Ruble of Steelville, Missouri; sister-in-law, Joan Wood of Steelville, Missouri; special aunts, Daphyne Potter, Jean Dotson, Elenora (Punky) Blunkall, Charlotte Orchard, Birdie Prewett and Patti King; other relatives and friends. Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, Missouri. Funeral service was at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Alan Miles and Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. Burial was at the Righter Family Cemetery in Steelville, Missouri. Pallbearers were Robbie Brooks, Brad Brooks, Candice Richter, Logan Eaton, Ethan Righter, Rylee Righter, Trysten Richter and Garrett Richter. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Ada Lea Payton Ada Lea Payton of St James, Missouri was born January 15, 1957 at Rolla, Missouri to James Robert and Violet Jane Grotpeter Cunningham and passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at the age of 63 years. On October 12, 1991 in St. James, Missouri Ada married Everett Ray Payton. Ada always was interested in the person she was talking to and had a smile and a chuckle. She was tender hearted and a very loving person. She to worship at the Solid Rock Christian Church. She worked as a secretary at the Rolla Hospital for over 12 years and worked in the kitchen at the hospital for over 10 years. She loved to play board games and cards and enjoyed reading books. Ada enjoyed collection angles and appreciated the therapeutic value of viewing all the different kinds of angels she had in her collection. Not many people have suffered the illness that she had and keep the good attitude that she had, but her focus was on things above and not upon the things of this earth. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Violet Cunningham; and two brothers, Gene and Ray Allen Cunningham. She is survived by her husband, Everett of St. James, Missouri; one son, Robert Dempsey Payton of St. James, Missouri; one brother, Dale Cunningham and wife Michelle of Conroe, Texas; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday November 29, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St James, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 3 p.m. on Sunday November 29, 2020 at the Jones Funeral Home in St James, Missouri with Craig Rippy officiating. Burial was next to her parents at the Kinder Cemetery in Cuba, Missouri. Pallbearers were John Grotha, Rick Huizinga, Doug Daniel, Mike Doyle, Alan Wynn and Randy Underwood. Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Kyhle Scott Seifert Kyhle Scott Seifert of Union, Missouri was born January 8, 1987 to Scott A. Seifert and Peggy Settle Zika in Columbia, Missouri and passed away Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the age of 33 years. He graduated with an Associates Degree from East Central College. He worked in maintenance and repair as a service technician. He enjoyed going to the river and watching the Kansas Chiefs. He was a member of Sacred Heart in Rich Fountain, Missouri. He is survived by his parents, Scott Seifert of St. James, Missouri and Peggy Zika of Linn, Missouri; brother, Aaron Zika of Rich Fountain, Missouri; children, Ashtyn Seifert, Silas Seifert, Emma Seifert and their mother, Melissa Seifert of Union, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at the Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville, Missouri. Funeral services were held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at the Gottenstroeter Funeral Home Chapel in Owensville, Missouri with Clyde Zelch officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville, Missouri. Carl Wayne Strosnider Sr. Carl Wayne Strosnider Sr. of Cuba, Missouri was born on Wednesday, August 19, 1959 in Mountain Home, Arkansas to Jim and Jeanette (Close) Strosnider and passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020 at the age of 61 years. Carl served in the United States Army National Guard. He would later become disabled, after a motorcycle accident. He enjoyed motorcycles, playing his guitar and treasure hunting. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy D. Strosnider. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Jeanette Strosnider of Cuba, Missouri; four children, Bianca Strosnider, Carl W. and wife Jaelyn Strosnider Jr. of Laplace, Louisiana, Chris Smith of St. Clair, Missouri and Alicia Strosnider of Bourbon, Missouri; two brothers, Terry Strosnider of Cuba, Missouri, Joe and wife Pam Strosnider of Union, Missouri; sister, Melody Wright of Bourbon, Missouri; 11 grandchildren; one great grandchild; other relatives and friends. Graveside service was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the Bourbon Cemetery in Bourbon, Missouri with Pastor Carl W. Strosnider Jr. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Elda Ora Thomeczek Elda Ora Thomeczek of Gerald, Missouri was born January 7, 1939 to Daniel and Florence (Rice) Shepherd in Strain, Missouri and passed away Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020 at the age of 81 years. She married Joseph Thomeczek on September 12, 1992 in Rosebud, Missouri. Elda was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald, Missouri. She enjoyed embroidery, gardening in her flower garden and feeding and watching the backyard birds. She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Florence Shepherd; grandson, Erik Joers; granddaughter, Melinda Sappington; brothers, George and Elmer Shepherd; brother-in-law, Forest Binkholder; and sister-in-law, Berniece Shepherd. She is survived by her husband, Joseph of the home; sons, Doug Brauks of Gerald, Missouri, Joe Thomeczek of Leasburg, Missouri and David Thomeczek and wife Julie of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands; daughters, Patricia Joers and husband Larry and Pam Hollandsworth and husband Rick, all of Gerald, Missouri and Lynn Williams and husband Mark of Bethalto, Illinois; sister, Mary Ann Binkholder of Gerald, Missouri; grandchildren, Ethan (Shyanne), Missa (special friend Shannon), Josh, Jason (Jenny), Justin (Brittani), Ryan (Laurie), Adam, Tim, Sarah, Alex, Angela, Amber; seven great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 12:30-2 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald, Missouri. Services were held at 2 p.m. at the St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald, Missouri with Rev. Glenn Hollander officiating. Burial was in the Schmidt Cemetery in Strain, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Gottenstroetter Funeral Home in Gerald, Missouri. Victoria "Michelle" Ventura Victoria "Michelle" Ventura of Steelville, Missouri was born on Thursday, January 5, 1978 in Sullivan, Missouri to Rev. Charles and Vicky Lee (Martin) Taff and passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the age of 42 years, 10 months and 27 days. Michelle attended Wellington High School. She was a member of the Assembly of God in Steelville, Missouri. She married Ronald Bruce Ventura on Saturday, April 21, 2018 in Brewster, Kansas. She worked as a CNA at South Haven Nursing Home and Wellington Nursing Home (Good Samaritan Nursing Home) in Kansas. She also helped at Victory House Teen Challenge for five years. Michelle was a big animal lover, had an animal science certificate and worked at a vet clinic for a while. She loved her furbabies, Timber Wolf and Jasmine Grace and was a dog trainer. Her main love was German Shepherds which were her all time favorite and she enjoyed anything to do with them. Michelle was a horse fanatic. She loved fishing with her grandpa, Stanley. She was a diehard Broncos fan and Kansas Jayhawks fan. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William "Bill" (Frances May) Taff and Stanley (Berneal) Martin; great grandparents, Herman and Frona "Fronie" Dunlap; parents-in-law, Ronald Sr. and Virginia Ann (Rusaw) Ventura; five infant children; aunts, Annette Taff and Amanda Quinton; and uncle, Clayton Taff. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Bruce Ventura of Steelville, Missouri; parents, Rev. Charles and Vicky Taff of Springfield, Missouri; brother, Jordon (Hannah) Taff of Salina, Kansas; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 3-4 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Celebration of Life was held at 4 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. The family chose cremation as her final disposition. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. John L. Welkener John L. Welkener of Lebanon, Ohio was born July 4, 1939 in St. Louis, Missouri to John A. and Marie C. (Lemand) Welkener and passed away Monday, November 30, 2020 at the age of 81 years. On December 10, 1961 he married Irene (Weller) Welkener. John attended school in Steelville, Missouri and was an Air Force Veteran of Vietnam War. He worked in the technical field for his entire career, most of those years at IBM, was a 32-degree Mason and member of the American Legion. His favorite things were music (especially trumpet), and anything aviation related as he had a small aircraft aviation license and frequently attended airshows. John also attended the Otterbein Lebanon United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie Welkener; and two sisters, Shirley (Al) Halbman and Arlene Hubbard. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Irene; two children, Michele Welkener and John (Terri) Welkener Jr.; granddaughter, Katelyn Welkener; sisters, Jean Walker of St. Louis, Missouri, Elaine Ransom of Steelville, Missouri and Carol (Junior) Halbert of Davisville, Missouri; brother, Leonard (Cinda) Welkener of Oâ'Fallon, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Due to COVID-19, a small family graveside service with military honors with the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard was held Friday, December 4, 2020 in the Bainbridge Cemetery in Bainbridge, Ohio. Arrangements under the direction of the Smith-Moore-Ebright Funeral Home in Bainbridge, Ohio. Betsey Elaine Young Betsey Elaine Young of St. Clair, Missouri was born on Saturday, September 29, 1973 in Rolla, Missouri to Lee R. and Eula (Reeves) Young and passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at the age of 47 years, 2 months and 2 days. Betsey graduated from Steelville High School with the Class of 1991. She then went to Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri where she received her Bachelor Degree in Pre-Law. She worked for many years for the Missouri Department of Social Services in the Family Support Division. She loved crafting and made Christmas ornaments every year. She also loved playing board and card games with family and friends. She enjoyed traveling and loved going anywhere that she could see the ocean. She was an animal lover and had four cats that she was crazy about. She also went almost every weekend to the movies with her sister and she called her mother every night without fail. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Conn and Pansy Young and Countis Reeves; and brother, Paul Young. She is survived by her parents, Lee and Eula Young of Steelville, Missouri; sister, Denese Young of Licking, Missouri; partner, Donald Turner of St. Clair, Missouri; best friend, Aimee Paulson; other relatives and friends. The family chose cremation as her final disposition. A memorial service will be held at a later date when the family feels it is safe to gather together. COVID-19 took Betsey and they do not want to lose anyone else. Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. http://www.threeriverspublishing.com/ ************************************************ Copyright. 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