Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO Local Obituaries for the Week of May 13, 2015 Martin Randall "Marty" Adams Martin Randall "Marty" Adams of Cuba, Missouri was born November 22, 1957 at St. Louis, Missouri to Ralph E. Adams, Sr. and Veda L. (nee Leslie) Adams and passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the age of 57 years. Marty lived the majority of his life in St. Louis were he worked at Crown Food Industries for over fifteen years. He later moved to Louisiana were he worked for Caterpillar Inc. before becoming disabled and settling down in Cuba, Missouri to be closer to family. He enjoyed reading, socializing and being outdoors. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph, Sr. and Veda Adams; four brothers, Gary, Michael, Brian and Junior Adams; one nephew, Daniel Adams; and one brother-in-law, Melvin Makara. He is survived by his son, Ronald "Ronnie" Adams of Missouri; daughter, Lisa Adams of St. Louis County; four grandchildren; one great grandchild; one brother, Tony and wife Pat Dixon of St. Louis, Missouri; six sisters, Jackie Makara of Cuba, Missouri, Carolyn and husband Donald Bowolak of St. Louis, Missouri, Barbara "Jeannie" and husband Michael Zobrist of Cuba, Missouri, Debbie and husband Michael Evans of St. Louis, Missouri, Sandra and husband James Mendoza and Terri and husband Jim Tyler of Cuba, Missouri; special friend, Nancy Treece of Cuba, oldest and dearest friend Vicky Adams; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held Tuesday, May 12, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Special music was "Amazing Grace," "Go Rest High on that Mountain" and "When I Get Where I'm Going." Interment and prayers followed at the Kinder Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri. Phillip "Phil" Rowland Bass Phillip "Phil" Rowland Bass of Steelville, Missouri was born October 14, 1939 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Rowland Joseph and Priscilla Franklin Bass and passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the age of 75 years, 6 months and 23 days. On December 29, 1981, he was united in marriage to Kathleen Kelly. Phil attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. He was a member of the Fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and continued a relationship with them for many years. He worked a number of years with Chevrolet in St. Louis, Missouri and Detroit. He later worked as the Hospital Administrator in Rolla, Missouri and then opened an office in Steelville, Missouri as an insurance broker. He was baptized in the Steelville First Baptist Church many years ago. Phil was a big supporter of the local Chamber of Commerce for years. He enjoyed playing golf in his spare time and reading Louis L'Amour novels. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rowland and Priscilla Bass; and his brother, Robert Franklin Bass. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Bass of Steelville, Missouri; three daughters, Michelle Quinlivan of St. Louis, Missouri, Denise Breeden of Farmington, New Mexico and Kelly Laughlin of St. Peters, Missouri; two sisters, Mary Rowena Bass Winters of Warrensburg, Missouri and Dr. Priscilla Bass-Timmerberg of St. Louis, Missouri; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 5-6 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2015 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri. A Celebration of Phil's life was held at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2015 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri. Norma L. Byers Norma L. Byers of Dixon, Missouri, formerly of St. James, Missouri, was born in Logansport, Indiana on August 1, 1933 to Frank and Nora (Rupe) Elzbeck and passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the age of 81 years. After Norma graduated from high school she met Robert Byers and they were married on April 5, 1953. Norma was a long time member of the Baptist Church, she had a strong faith in God that she instilled in her children. She loved to garden and always had a big beautiful vegetable garden that she loved to share with family, friends and neighbors. Norma enjoyed canning what she could for the long winters ahead. She also enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. She was bit by a copperhead years ago, but the only thing gained by that experience was that when it was going to rain or storm she would always know, even before the weatherman knew, because the toe that the snake bit would ache like crazy. She was preceded in death by parents, Frank and Nora Elzbeck; husband, Robert Byers; brothers, James and Kenny Elzbeck; and infant daughter, Polly Anna Byers. She is survived by her children, Larry Byers of Rolla, Missouri, Vicki Hoffman and husband Dennis of St. Louis, Missouri, Terry Byers of Roseville, Illinois, Anna "Lucy" Pantoja and husband Marco of Clarksburg, Missouri and Kelly Cox of Dixon, Missouri; sister-in-law, Alice Elzbeck of Logansport, Indiana; brother, Thomas Elzbeck of Logansport, Indiana; 10 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held on Monday, May 11, 2015 from 11 a.m. until service time of 1 p.m. at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Funeral services were held on Monday, May 11, 2015 at 1 p.m. in the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary. Interment was at the Asher Cemetery. Pallbearers were Nathan Cox, Marco Pantoja, Marco Pantoja II, David Harper, Matthew Fennewald and Adam Cox. Christina Harper and Maggie Fennewald served as honorary pallbearers. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Elsie Violet Chrisco Elsie Violet Chrisco of Rolla, Missouri was born in Phelps County, Missouri on September 24, 1921 to Ernest and Evelena Stedman Haas and passed away Monday, May 4, 2015 at the age of 93 years. On February 8, 1947 she married Howard Chrisco.Elsie graduated from Rolla High School in 1939 and began what would evolve into a banking career with Rolla State Bank. Following her marriage to Howard and their relocation to a farm near Salem, Missouri she worked at the Bank of Salem for several years. Then they relocated back to the Rolla area in 1958 where she worked for local banks until she retired from US Bank in 1986. Elsie was a baptized believer who faithfully attended the St. James Church of God until her health declined. Elsie enjoyed family gatherings, her church family, square dancing and traveling. She and Howard traveled throughout the United States to include Alaska and Hawaii. Internationally, they traveled to Europe and the Philippines, as well as Canada and Mexico. She was preceded in deth by her parents, Ernest and Evelena Haas; husband, Howard on August 24, 2006; and one brother, Elmer Haas. She is surived by two children, retired Army Colonel Larry Chrisco and wife Connie of Rolla, Missouri and Leland Chrisco and wife Sue of Neosho, Missouri; one sister, Opal Bennett Domeyer of Salem, Missouri; six grandchildren, Shari Showalter and husband Thomas of Anchorage, Alaska, Jeff Chrisco and wife Melissa of Rolla, Missouri, Tony Chrisco and wife Julie of Neosho, Missouri, Daniel Chrisco and wife Ashley of Alleman, Iowa, Jerry Williams of Dillon, Colorado and Mike Williams and wife Alana Godina of Salida, Colorado; 18 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the Rolla Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary. Funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the Rolla Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Pastor Tim Cook officiating. Interment was at the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Salem, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in Rolla, Missouri. Bonnie Ilene Cooper Bonnie Ilene Cooper was born April 4, 1934 in Alley Springs, Missouri, to Walter Fremont and Gladys Mae (Younger) Sanders and passed away on Monday, May 4, 2015, at the age of 81 years and 1 month. She was united in marriage on December 29, 1948, to William "Bill" Edward Cooper and to this marriage of 56 years, three children were born. Bonnie, or as most would call her Ilene, was saved by the blood of Jesus, gave her heart to the Lord, and was baptized at a young age. Her life was an example of that faith. She had a heart of gold. Her pockets were never full but her table was and you were always welcome. She never saw a stranger. She was a great cook and loved to have a conversation with anyone who would talk to her or maybe just herself. Life is not about how much you have or what you do but the lives you touch and the memories you leave behind. Ilene has given us all enough memories to last our lifetime. She was preceding in death by her husband, William Edward Cooper; her parents, Walter and Gladys Sanders; one brother, Donald Sanders; and one sister Mavis Cook. She is survived by her children, Ronald Leon Cooper and wife Michelle of Elkins, Arkansas, Donna Mae Kenagy and her husband Brooks of Cuba, Missouri and William Edward Cooper, Jr. and wife Jacque of Rogers, Arkansas; 10 grandchildren, Kelly Cooper Jones and husband Garrick, Jarrod Cooper and wife Amanda, Stephanie Cottrell, Elicia Lora and fiancˇ Ty Bailey, Sean Kenagy and wife Jordan, Allison Caudle and husband Joe, Trenton Kenagy, Ryan Cooper and wife Whitney, Kasey Cooper, and Jason Cooper engaged to Aaron; six great grandchildren, Hannah Cottrell, Chase Cottrell, Haley Cooper, Haven Cooper, Brooks Kenagy and Reagan Kenagy; three brothers, Kenny Sanders, Clinton Sanders and Denny Sanders; one sister, Madrene Pulliam; other relatives and friends. Services were Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Bradford Funeral Home in Summersville, Missouri with Rev. Charles Younger officiating. Interment was in the New Eminence Cemetery, Eminence, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Bradford Funeral Home, Summersville, Missouri. Robert F. "Bob" Dunham Jr. Robert F. "Bob" Dunham Jr. of St. James, Missouri was born September 3, 1936 at St. Louis, Missouri to Robert F., Sr. and Helen (nee Ladreiter) Dunham and passed away Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the age of 78 years. Bob proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1961. Bob married Neva Leona Britton on March 21, 1970 at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Cub, Missouri and to this union one son was born. Bob owned and operated RF Dunham Truck Line for 45 years. He drove millions of miles during his career. When Bob was not on the road he was home taking care of the farm and cows. Bob and Bobby spent many hours restoring old trucks and cars. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Dunham Sr.; wife, Leona Britton; brothers-in-law, Earnest and wife Georgia Britton, Jack and wife Anna Mae Britton and John Britton; sisters-in-law, Daisy and husband Austin Volner, Mollie and husband Wade Watson and Lydia Britton. He is survived by his son, Bobby Dunham of the home; brother-in-law, James and wife Edwina Britton of Cuba, Missouri; sister-in-law, Cecilia Britton of Cuba, Missouri; caregiver and special niece, Bonnie Watson of Salem, Missouri; special cousin, Mary Lankford of Perryville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held Tuesday, May 12, 2015 from 5-8 p.m. at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri with special music "Go Rest High on that Mountain," "When I Get Where I'm Going" and "Long Black Train." Interment, prayers and military honors followed at the Skaggs Cemetery, Huzzah, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba, Missouri. Peggy Lee Kelley Peggy Lee Kelley (nee Hollis) of Cuba, Missouri was born on Thursday, July 27, 1944 in Checotah, Oklahoma to John Wesley Mohile and Sarah Ellen Dill Hollis and passed away Thursday, May 7, 2015 at the age of 70 years, 9 months and 10 days. Peggy married Ronald Kelley in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on June 12, 1964 and to this union three children were born. Peggy graduated from Checotah High School in 1962. She earned her Bachelors in Education at Northeast State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and was a dedicated teacher at Cuba Elementary School for 35 years. She was a member of the Cuba Church of Christ. Her hobbies were playing games, fishing, traveling, collecting school bells, gardening (particularly growing tomatoes), and baking her favorite homemade pies and cinnamon rolls. After retirement, Ron and Peggy enjoyed traveling especially to Texas in the winter months. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Ellen Sparks and Mohile Hollis; brothers, John S. Hollis and Eugene Hollis; and sisters-in-law, Betty Bishop and Barbara Hutsell. She is survived by her husband, Ron Kelley of Cuba, Missouri; children, Tonya (Bob) Bowen of Cuba, Missouri, Rhonda (Bobby) Black of Cherryville, Missouri and Ronald (Amy) Kelley of Branson West, Missouri; special uncle, Leon Greb of Warner, Oklahoma; sisters, Carolyn (Jim) Deberry of Yukon, Oklahoma and Peggy Jean (Richard) Aikin of Crescent City, California and brothers, Sonny (Roxie) Sparks of Hulbert, Oklahoma, Tommy (Madelyn) Sparks of Nocona, Texas and Joe (Kathryn) Sparks of Kingman, Arizona; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Richard (Phyllis) Kelley, Dennis (Terri) Kelley, Raymond (Shirley) Kelley, all of Florida and Robert (Virginia) Kelley of Hawthorne, Oklahoma, Beverly (John) Hayes of Arkansas, Bonnie Mosely and Diana (Don) Hawthorne, all of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Brandon, Amanda, and Bryan Black of Cherryville, Missouri, Bobby, Ethan and Sarah Bowen of Cuba, Missouri, Zac Ferguson, Travis and Madelynn Kelley of Branson West, Missouri; three great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Visitation was Monday, May 11, 2015 from 5-8 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri. Funeral service was Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Cuba Church of Christ, Cuba, Missouri with Brother Steven Wick and Vincent Deberry officiating. Burial was Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 11 p.m. at the Green Lawn Cemetery in Checotah, Oklahoma. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri. Elbert Wm. "Tex" Morton Elbert Wm. "Tex" Morton was born on November 18, 1922 in View, Texas to Elbert Fred and Mary (Marton) Morton and passed away May 7, 2015 at the age of 92 years. Tex met Jennielou Leonard in St. Louis, Missouri on a blind date and they were married October 30, 1944 in Eastland County, Texas. They celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2014. Tec Sgt. Morton served in the U.S. Army Air Corp from January 28, 1943 to September 8, 1945. He served as a radio operator and gunner with a B-17 crew of the 99th BG 39th squadron flying out of Foggia, Italy during World War II. During his military career, he was awarded seven Bronze Stars and an Air Medal. After returning to civilian life, Tex learned the construction trade from his father-in-law Gilbert A. Leonard and Mr. Leonard's brothers. For much of his life, he worked as a salesman of construction materials. He was active in the Safe Saddle Club. Tex became a real estate broker and then after receiving his schooling and license as an auctioneer, he and Lou opened Rocking M Auction Service. In retirement, Tex and Lou traveled visiting all 50 of these United States, Canada and Mexico. He enjoyed trout fishing at Maramac Spring Park and reading western novels. He was a member of the Masons, Scottish Rite, Shriners and VFW organizations and a member of the Ozark Highlands Christian Church of Rolla, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Mary Morton; parents-in-law, G.A. and Myrna (Plank) Leonard; his sister-in-law, Ellamae Risner Bucher; brothers-in-law, Tommy King, Jimmy Yarbrough, Jim Risner and Al Bucher. He is survived by his wife, Jennielou of Houston, Missouri; daughters, Beverly and Terry Flowers of Houston, Missouri and Bobbie and Bob Davis of St. James, Missouri; sister, Mary Cloma Yarbrough of Clyde, Texas; grandchildren, Brian Flowers and wife JoAnne of Columbia, Missouri, Brandt Flowers and wife Rachel of Ballwin, Missouri, Jenni Dollar and husband Scott of Nixa, Missouri, Erin McCurdy and husband Jeremy of St. James, Missouri and Matt Davis and wife Melanie of Nixa, Missouri; five great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Pastor Dave Roush officiating. Interment with full military honors were held at the St. James Cemetery. Pallbearers were Matt Davis, Scott Dollar, Jeremy McCurdy, Brian Flowers, Larry Risner and Danny Scheel. Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri. Shirley June Ranalli Shirley June Ranalli (nee Strain) of Rolla, Missouri was born on Sunday, December 8, 1935 in Rolla, Missouri to Ike and Anna Josephene Devore Strain and passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the age of 79 years, 4 months and 28 days. Shirley was the baby of 13 children, something she prided herself in being from such a large family and doted on by her older parents. She loved flowers, cooking, eating out at Chinese, Mexican and Italian restaurants and living life to the fullest. By working in factories during her younger years she taught her girls the value of a good days labor and a job well done. Later in life, she was a nanny and housekeeper. She taught her daughters to be strong assertive women, to be creative, to trust in God and to dance like no one was watching. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ike and Anna Strain; brothers, Alonzo, Francis and Raymond Strain; sisters, Cleo Green, Betty Buck, Marie Rodgers, Letha Miller and Geraldine Cantwell. She is survived by her three daughters, Dianna Lee (Steven) Burke of Shawnee Mission, Kansas, Conni (Chester) Romine of Nevada, Missouri and Gale (Lonnie) Tyler of Rolla, Missouri; brothers and sisters, Lee Strain (Irene) of Joplin, Missouri, Earl Strain (Helen) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Lucille Arthur of Rolla, Missouri and Erma Dailey of Ypsilanti, Michigan; five great grandchildren; one great grandchild to be born in June and one great great grandchild to be born in August; other relatives and friends. She requested there not be a funeral service as she wants people to remember her in her vibrant years. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, Missouri. Walter Eugene Reiner Walter Eugene Reiner of Catawissa, Missouri was born May 27, 1933 in Leasburg, Missouri to Jacob and Elsie (nee Miller) Reiner and passed away on Monday, May 4, 2015 at the age of 81 years. He married Margaret Adams on December 3, 1965 in Vienna, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Elsie Reiner; wife, Margaret; and three children, Clyde Reiner, Randy Reiner and Rhonda Carter. He is survived by three daughters, Kay and husband Michael Pingleton of Catawissa, Missouri, Sherry Brown of Sullivan, Missouri and Patricia Reiner-Hitchcock of Hays, Kansas; other relatives and friends. A memorial service was held May 8, 2015 at 6 p.m. at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Leasburg, Missouri. Interment was in the Cross Roads Cemetery in Leasburg, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Bell Funeral Home in Pacific, Missouri. Berta Faye Sencibaugh Berta Faye Sencibaugh of Cuba, Missouri was born to Walter A. and Emma E. (Lotz) Ruble on January 31, 1924 in Centerville, Missouri and passed away Sunday, May 3, 2015 at the age of 91 years. Berta Faye was united in marriage to William P. Sencibaugh on February 12, 1940 and to this union three children were born. Berta Faye spent most of her life in the Viburnum area, where she raised her family. She was a valued, trusted friend and neighbor to all who knew her. She loved to work with her flowers in the yard, play bingo and was quite the card shark when playing Rummy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Emma Ruble; her husband of over 72 years, William "Pud" Sencibaugh; one son, Dwain Sencibaugh; and a granddaughter, Melody (Sencibaugh) May. She is survived by her son, Don (Carolyn) Sencibaugh of Cuba, Missouri; one daughter, Darlene Sue (Lawrence) Boehm of Elsberry, Missouri; three grandchildren, Michelle (David) Hughes of Wildwood, Missouri, Angie (Scott) Roberts of Wildwood, Missouri and Brian Sencibaugh of Cuba, Missouri; eight great grandchildren, Kyle Brickey of Colorado, Lauren May of Farmington, Missouri, Erica Walker of St. Louis, Missouri, Sean and Liam Hughes of Wildwood, Missouri, Zoey and Max Roberts of Wildwood, Missouri, Madison Sencibaugh of Farmington, Missouri; two great great grandchildren, Cooper William Young of St. Louis, Missouri and William Samuel Street of Farmington, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Memorial service was held on Friday, May 8, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Michael Potter officiating. In keeping with Berta Faye's wishes her body was donated to Washington University School of Medicine so that science and research could continue to help the next generations for years to come. Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri. Keitha Marie Stovall Keitha Marie Stovall of Vienna, Missouri was born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 23, 1955 to Dwight Ellwood and Lela Ilene (Spurgeon) Stovall and passed away on Monday, May 4, 2015 at the age of 59 years. She grew up in Wellston and lived there with her mother and brother, Buddy until 1989 when she was not able to due to her mother's declining health. She loved being outdoors, flowers, shopping and car rides but her favorite thing was being with her family. She loved animals especially cats and had a large collection of stuffed toy animals decorating her room. She is survived by her siblings, Dwight (Woody) Stovall and wife Barbara of Cuba, Missouri, Harvey Stovall and wife Betty of Owensville, Missouri, David Stovall and wife Marilyn of Belle, Missouri and Charles (Buddy) of Owensville, Missouri; other relatives and friends. Visitation was held on Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 8:30-11 a.m. at the Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville, Missouri.Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville, Missouri with Rev. Jimmy Bickle officiating. Burial was in the Licklider Cemetery in rural Cuba, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville, Missouri. Robert "Bob" B. Wester Robert "Bob" B. Wester of Rolla, Missouri passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at the age of 85 years. He served 21 years in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed watching boxing and westerns, playing pinochle, riding motorcycles and keeping his lawn looking like a golf course. He is survived by his wife, Mary Wester of Rolla, Missouri; eight children, Robert Wester of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Bonnie and Jerry Ellis of Festus, Missouri, Glen and JoDonna Niefert of Imperial, Missouri, Diana and Henry Roark of St. James, Missouri, Joseph and Pamela of Buffalo, Missouri, Rosie Whitney of Festus, Missouri, Stella and Ed Howell of St. James, Missouri and Amanda Wester of Florissant, Missouri; 16 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site. http://www.threeriverspublishing.com/ ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/mo/mofiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWebArchives by: Winnie Brooks <wab7@swbell.net>