Missouri, U.S., Marriage Records, 1805-2002
Gordon Lee Riffey, 83
May 12, 2005
Gordon Lee Riffey, son of Trask Riffey and Nannie Pearl Teets Riffey, was born on Aug. 7, 1921, in Charleston, West Virginia, and passed away on May 7, 2005, in St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, at the age of 83 years.
Gordon was a resident of the Gainesville community since 1977, moving from Bradenton, Florida. Gordon was a maintenance worker for the Baxter Hospital in Mtn. Home, Ark., for several years before retiring and earlier had worked for the Bradenton School Systems.
In December of 1945, Gordon and Twila Mary Barnhart were united in marriage in Pennsylvania and to this union, two children were born.
Gordon enjoyed hunting, fishing and working around his home.
Gordon was an Army veteran and served his country in World War II in Europe.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
His survivors include one son, Randy Riffey, and wife, Brenda, Gainesville; one daughter, Kathy Nolder, Springfield; four grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
Cremation services were conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.
Robert Thomas Owens, 81
May 12, 2005
Robert Thomas “Junior” Owens, 81, of Bruner, passed away in his home on Friday, May 6, 2005.
He was born March 22, 1924 in Missouri City, Mo., the son of Robert and Sarah (Watkins) Owens.
On April 11, 1942, he and Mildred Marie Perkins were united in marriage.
He had farmed at Bruner for many years.
Survivors include two sons, Jackie Leroy Owens and wife, Wanda, Bruner, and Jerry Wayne Owens and wife, Geneia, of Elkhead; five daughters, Betty Marie Fink, of Bruner, Wanda Lou Pearson and husband, Robert, of Fordland, Donna Kay Wright, of Seymour, Linda Sue Underwood and husband, Dale, of Seymour, and Judith Anna White and husband, David, of Leavenworth, Kan.; two sons-in-law, Raymond Dobbins, of Fordland, and Ben Shelton, of Squires; 32 grandchildren; and 59 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred, on Nov. 27, 2002; his parents, Robert and Sarah; two daughters, Phyllis June Dobbins and Dorothy Jean Shelton; two grandchildren, Jody Ann Shelton and Angela Lianne Owens; two great-grandchildren, Zane Burnell Fink and Morgan Janette Jeffco; two sons-in-law, Robert Fink and Joseph Wright; a sister, Thelma Marie Owens; and a brother, George William Owens.
A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, in Owens Family Cemetery, Bruner, with Judith Anna White officiating.
Arrangements were under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.
Earl Waldo Walker, 89
May 12, 2005
Earl Waldo Walker, age 89, of Branson, formerly of Ava, passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2005.
He was born March 22, 1916, in Chadwick, the son of Will and Mae (Alcorn) Walker.
He married Adelia Kenyon in 1938 and later married Norma Jean “Pat” Childers who preceded him in death.
He was a retired dry wall construction worker. Mr. Walker loved the Lord and enjoyed singing and playing music in area churches.
Survivors include his wife, Betty VanMeter; a daughter, Shirley Ponder and husband Melvin, Chadwick; Betty’s two children, Onemega Elliott, Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Roena Paul, LaGrange, Ohio; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Johnny Walker, Ponce de Leon; a sister, Hazel Moody, Chadwick; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Larry Walker and Stanley Walker.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with the Revs. Ben DeWitt, Gary Hall, and Jim Campbell officiating.
Burial followed in Chadwick Cemetery.
Billy Gene Loper, 68
May 12, 2005
Billy Gene Loper, son of Melton Loper and Levie Lawson Loper, was born on Sept. 14, 1936, in Long Island, Alabama, and passed away in his home with his family around him on May 10, 2005, at the age of 68 years.
Billy was a resident of the Ava community since 1979, moving from St. Louis, Mo. He was an auto glass installer.
On Aug. 28, 1955, Billy and Velora Moreland were united in marriage in St. Louis.
Billy enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing and teasing his family.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Bennie and Kevin.
He is survived by his wife, Velora, of the home in Ava; his children, Bob Loper and wife, Barbara, Holdridge, Neb., Wayne Loper and wife, Margie, Mansfield, Billy Loper, Ava, Brenda Loper, Ava, Joanna Hendrix, and spouse, Yvonne, Omaha, Neb., Janet Gifford, Ava, Phil Loper, Alliance, Neb., Donald Loper and wife, Kelsie, Chadron, Neb., Amanda Garcia, Alliance, Neb., Christina Loper, Springfield, and Anglia Holman, Mansfield; 26 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty Ledgerwood, Kentucky; and one brother, Waymond Loper, Texas; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services are Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m., at the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, with Bro. Tom Ledgerwood officiating.
Interment will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, at the High Gate Baptist Church Cemetery in High Gate, Mo., in Phelps County.
Visitation is Friday from 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.
Diane Dietrich Waters, 75
Jun 2, 2005
Diane Dietrich Waters, daughter of Walter F. Dietrich and Evelyn M. Hannan Dietrich, was born on Oct. 16, 1929, in Hollywood, Calif., and passed away on May 29, 2005, in St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Mo., at the age of 75 years.
Diane was a homemaker and resident of the Ava community for the past three years, moving from Van Nuys, Calif. She received her high school graduation certificate from Van Nuys High School.
On Nov. 21, 1959, Diane and Calvin C. Waters were united in marriage in Reseda, Calif.
While living in California, Diane loved attending the Pow Wows (Native American gatherings). She also enjoyed western music and loved to be with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Calvin, in 1994.
Diane's survivors include her five children, Steven Waters, Terri Dye and Nancie Waters, all of Ava, Patricia Dawn Weaver, Las Vegas, Nev., and Lenny Calvin Hendrix, Hederson, Nev.; and many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and friends.
Cremation services were conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.
Elizabeth H. "Betty" Smith, 67
May 26, 2005
Elizabeth H. “Betty” Smith, daughter of Pierre Peereboom and Muriel Richheimer Peereboom, was born July 27, 1937, in Jamaica, N.Y., in Queens County, and passed away May 24, 2005, at her home with her loving family and friends surrounding her, at the age of 67, after a long respiratory illness.
Betty was a resident of the Ava community for five years, moving from California. She was a caterer and had worked for Town & Country Supermarket. Betty also received cosmetology teaching credentials from California State University.
Betty loved her home in Ava with a passion and loved her family and dear friends. She enjoyed fishing, camping and caring for her cats. Betty will be remembered for her lust for life, her positive attitude and being an unbelievable non-judgmental person. She inspired people with her encouragement and nurturing soul.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Her survivors include one sister, Hortense Bokor Smith, of Costa Mesa, Calif.; nieces, Diane Sargisian and Julie Fier: nephews, David Bokor and Daniel Shanken; cousin Robert Cohn; dearest friends, Joyce and Gordon Watson and their family; and many other friends.
Graveside services were Thursday, May 26 at 11 a.m., at Whites Creek Cemetery east of Ava with niece Diane Sargisian officiating along with family and friends.
Memorials can be made to the donor’s choice of charity.
Services will be conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.
Freda D. Heyn, 68
May 26, 2005
Freda D. Heyn, 68, Ava, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2003, as the result of a senseless crime. After waiting 18 long months, her family and friends will gather to pay their last respects and honor their loved one with a dignified funeral service at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 28, in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, with Rev. Ben DeWitt officiating, followed by a proper burial in the Old Boston Cemetery.
Freda was born Sept. 5, 1935, at Oldfield, Mo., the daughter of Harrison and Elma Allen Coffer.
On Feb. 1, 1957, she was united in marriage to Fred Heyn in Ozark.
Freda dedicated her life to Christ at the early age of 16 and revealed God's presence in her life with daily thoughtfulness for others, caring love and tremendous faith. She loved church activities and attended Oldfield Full Gospel Church. Freda would want everyone to keep smiling while loving one another…a simple truth from a beautiful smiling and special caring lady.
Freda is survived by her husband of 47 years, Fred; one daughter Paula Waggoner and husband Mike, of Ava; one son Harold Heyn, also of Ava; seven grandchildren Dustin, Eric and Travis Smith, Jennifer Clark, Ryan, Brooke and Brett Waggoner; seven great-grandchildren; several aunts, uncles, cousins, other caring relatives and numerous good friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Brenda Smith.
Preceding the funeral service on Saturday, there will be a visitation on May 27, from 6 to 7 p.m.. in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark.
Roy E. Lee, 72
May 19, 2005
Roy E. Lee, son of Opha Lee and Mabel Proctor Lee, was born on May 1, 1933, at Drury, Mo., and passed away on May 13, 2005 in St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, at the age of 72.
Roy was a resident of Kansas City for five years and then moved back to the family farm, where he was a stock and dairy farmer for 39 years. He worked in Kansas City at the Ford and GM plants and sold real estate.
On July 10, 1954, Roy and Glenda Walker were united in marriage in Ava, and to this union, three children were born.
Roy was a veteran and served his country in the U.S. Army.
He attended Souder Church of Christ. Roy loved listening to bluegrass and playing pitch at the Friday Night Jamboree at the Jackson’s. Roy enjoyed visiting with people and he loved being with his family.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.
He is survived by his wife, Glenda, of the home in Drury; two daughters, Debbie Stone and husband, Mike, Ava, and Dianne Evans, Drury, and one son, Greg Lee and wife, Helen, of Drury; five grandchildren, Chris Owens, Casey Owens, Levi Evans, Jonathan Lee and Paden Lee; four great-grandchildren, Wade Owens, Ellie Owens, Whitney Evans and Addie Evans; two brothers, Waltza Lee and Ida, Mtn. Grove, and Bill and Joyce Lee, Nixa; and a host of relatives and friends.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, with E.J. Hampton officiating.
Harlin Howerton officiated at visitation Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m.
Interment was in Pleasant Home Cemetery, Drury, with full military rites by Douglas County American Legion Post 112 and Ava VFW Post 5993.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Pleasant Home Cemetery in care of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.
Richard G. Strasser, 82
May 19, 2005
Richard G. “Uncle Rich” Strasser, 82, of Ava, passed away Friday, May 13, 2005.
He was born Jan. 27, 1923, in St. Louis, the son of Otto and Grace (Stebel) Strasser.
He worked for the CCC camps during World War II in St. Louis, helping build the park systems and working in the construction of the St. Louis Arch. He was also a journeyman electrician and pipe fitter.
He finally made his career as a custodian for the Normandy School District in St. Louis, and retired after 30 years. He had many hobbies which included having fun with all of his nieces and nephews.
Richard never married.
A native of St. Louis, Richard moved to Ava in May 2001 and lived at Ava Place residential care facility and later moved to Heart of the Ozarks Health Care Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Louis and Gene, and one brother who died at birth.
He is survived by a sister, Virginia (Strasser) Lee and husband, Joe, and a sister-in-law Shirley Strasser, all of St. Louis; a niece, Sandy Barton and husband, Jim, great-nephew James E. Barton, and great-great nephew, Richard Louis Barton (who was named for Richard and his brother, Louis), all of Ava.
He is also survived by six nieces and nephews, 17 great-nieces and nephews, and 24 great-great-nieces and nephews.
Richard made many friends in Ava during his four-year stay here.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, May 17, at Valhala Cemetery in St. Louis.
James Allen Call, 46
May 19, 2005
James Allen Call, son of Lawrence Call and Betty Turner Brown, was born on May 17, 1958, in Exeter, Calif., and passed away May 12 in an auto accident in Christian County at the age of 46.
James was a resident of the Isabella community in Ozark County for the past 15 years, moving from the state of Washington. He was a cement finisher.
He was preceded in death by his brother.
He is survived by his parents, Lawrence Call and Betty Turner Brown, both of Neosho; one daughter, Sarah Lynn Call and one son, James Call, both of the state of Oregon; four sisters, Elaine King, Ozark, Bessie Rice, Becky Kelly and Darlene Green, all of Neosho; one brother, Tom Call, state of Washington; and other relatives and friends.
Graveside memorial service will be Saturday, May 21, at 1 p.m., at the Girdner Cemetery with the Rev. Donald Potter officiating.
Services are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.
Carl Gene Hicks, 67
May 19, 2005
Carl Gene Hicks, son of Omer and Hazel Rose Bullis Hicks, was born Feb. 9, 1938, in Lebanon.
He departed this life Wednesday, May 11, in his home near Mansfield, at the age of 67.
On Dec. 2, 1995, he was united in marriage to Patsy Jo Cantrell, and together they shared their love for the last nine years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Janet Hicks and Sharon Kay Hicks; a daughter, Becky Hicks; a son, Richard Hicks; and a sister, Anna Mae.
Carl is survived by his wife, Patsy, of the home; four sons, Jeffery Hicks, of Bettendorf, Iowa, Matthew Hicks, state of New Jersey, David Hicks, Kansas City, and Tim Anderson, Ava; two stepdaughters, Phoebe Best, of Mtn. Grove, and Deborah Allen, Norwood; four stepsons, Sammy Cook, Lebanon, Tenn., Eric Cook, Mansfield, Wendell Cook, Mtn. Grove, and Carl Cook, of Germany; 27 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; a brother, Francis Hicks, Lowell, Ark.; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the Lebanon area and attended Lebanon R-III schools. At the age of 18, he moved to Iowa, where he was employed by the Oscar Meyer Company, then the Heinz Company, and later the Caterpillar Company. In 1989, he moved to Ava and was employed by the Emerson Corporation and then the Copeland Corporation until retiring. He and Patsy had made their home in the Mansfield community for the past several years.
Carl had made his profession of faith in Christ and was a member of the Seymour Church of Christ.
In his spare time Carl enjoyed collecting coins and stamps.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 14, at 1 p.m. in Holman-Howe Chapel, Mansfield, with Elvis Denney officiating. Interment was in Hensley Cemetery.
