Missouri, U.S., Marriage Records, 1805-2002
Berniece Alms, 78
Aug 4, 2005
Berniece Alms, 78, Ava, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2005, in her home. Berniece was born Nov. 19, 1926, in Braden, Okla., the daughter of Rufus Benjamin and Dottie Victoria (Perrin) Pendleton.
On Nov. 29, 1945, she was united in marriage to Murrell F. Alms, and to this union, one daughter and one son were born.
Berniece and Murrell owned and operated Alm's Garage in Ava for over 40 years. She also worked several years at Emerson Electric, retiring in 1991. She then worked on the SCSEP program for the U. S. Forest Service until February of 2005.
Berniece had tireless energy caring for her family and special care for Murrell's mother Addy in their home until her passing. She had a big heart for all animals, especially Murrell and Rodney's dogs and Marilyn's cats. Berniece was a remarkably vibrant and vital woman who comforted many people with her homemade potato soup.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents; one infant daughter, Brinda Kay; two brothers; and three sisters.
Berniece is survived by her husband of 59 years, Murrell; one son, Rodney, and wife, Marilyn, of Ava; one sister, Juanita Clement, of Tuscumbia, Mo.; other caring relatives and many good friends.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 1, at the Ava Cemetery, under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ava, with Rev. James Orick officiating.
An open visitation was held Sunday, July 31, between the hours of 3-4 p.m. in the Barnes Chapel.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Douglas County Historical Society, c/o Barnes Family Funeral Home, PO Box 65, Ava, MO 65608.
Bertha Lorene Hodge, 85
Aug 4, 2005
Bertha Lorene Hodge, long time Sandy, Oregon resident, died Wednesday, June 29, 2005, at the age of 85. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, July 6, at Sandy Funeral Home in Sandy, Oregon.
Bertha was born April 30, 1920, at Coldsprings, Mo., to Howard and Lola Upshaw Proctor.
She was raised and educated in east Douglas County.
On Sept. 26, 1935, she married Alfa Ray Hodge in Ava, Mo.
They lived in Missouri for two years before moving to Palmer, Idaho. In 1938, they moved to Gresham, Oregon. The next year they moved to Sandy, Oregon.
Bertha worked on Berry farms and the Holland Bulb Farm in the Sandy area until 1951, when she took a job with Mt. Hood Cleaners and Laundry. Beginning in 1973, she worked as a seamstress for Stenier Corp. in Portland. She retired in 1991 for medical reason.
Bertha enjoyed camping, traveling, making quilts and spending time with her family.
In 1989, Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; her son, Larry; and daughter, Reba Hodge; her father and mother, Howard and Lola Proctor; brothers, Vasel, Virgil, Chalmer and Dick Proctor; sisters, Arlene Brixey and Elma Alsup.
Survivors include her son, Lester Hodge; daughters, Nancy Zimmerman and Linda Waits, all of Sandy, Oreg.; sisters, Enola Roper, Sandy, Oreg., Nadine Page and Geniva Heinemann, both of Wasco, Oreg., Virginia Jacobs, of Springfield, Mo., and Alice Glascock, Cincinatti, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and three great great-grandchildren.
Interment was at Fir Lawn Cemetery, Sandy, Oregon.
Father Leonard Baldus, 95
Aug 4, 2005
Father Leonard Baldus, O.M.I., 95, of Story City, Iowa, born April 3, 1910, in Story City, Iowa, died Saturday, July 30, 2005, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, Ill.
Father Baldus was a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate for 68 years. Early in his ministry, he served at St. Henry’s Seminary, Belleville, Ill., as a teacher and coach. From 1955 to 1961, he served as treasurer for the former Central Province from Minnesota. Later, he worked in South Dakota and Minnesota. In Sisseton, S.D., he established a gallery featuring Native American art. His last assignment was to Ava-Mansfield, Missouri, where he helped build Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Mansfield. Father Baldus moved to the Dammert Center at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, Ill., in 1999.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mary Alice, nee Garland, Baldus; two sisters; and seven brothers.
He is survived by a sister, Mary Baldus Hadaway; and two brothers, Francis (Mary Ruth) Baldus and Joseph (Joanne) Baldus.
A funeral mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Apartment Community Chapel, Belleville, Ill.
Burial was in St. Henry’s Oblate Cemetery, Belleville, Ill.
Arrangements were by George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill.
Robert "Bob" Hendricks, 60
Aug 4, 2005
Robert "Bob" Eugene Hendricks, 60, was born Jan. 14, 1945, in Springfield, Mo. to Morrison Eugene and Madgie (Wilson) Hendricks, and passed away July 13, 2005, at his home in Fairview, Okla.
Bob married Mary Lou Wells, his partner for 37 years, on June 8, 1968, in Ava, and to this union, were born Kurtis, Gary, Jackie and Robert Alan.
Bob was involved in the Fairview Assembly of God Church and was a Royal Rangers Training Academy leader, working with youngsters at the church.
Bob's commitment to his country is evident in his 31 years of military service where he served in the Army, National Guard, Army Reserves, and his recent call to active duty in 2003.
Bob is survived by his wife, Mary; and four sons, Kurtis Eugene, of Enid, Gary Lee, of Fairview, Jackie Wayne, of Woodward, and Robert Alan, of Fairview; also his sister, Fay Sanders, of Springfield, Mo.; brothers-in-law, Darold Hassler, of Zion, Ill., and Elvin Wells, of Bolivar, Mo.; mother-in-law, Pauline Jenkins, of Shawnee Mission, Kans.; sister-in-law, Sue, and husband, James Wetherton, of Lenexa, Kans.; two nephews, Mark and Mike; and one niece, Darla; and a host of friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sue Hassler; and father-in-law, Lester Jenkins.
Funeral services for Master Sergeant Robert "Bob" Eugene Hendricks, was held at 10 a.m., Monday, July 18, 2005, at the American Legion Building in Fairview, Okla.
The Rev. Jim Veal and Chaplain (LTC) Ballard officiated.
Burial was Tuesday, July 19, at 2 p.m., at the Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Okla., with full military honors provided by the Fort Sill Honor Guard.
Arrangements were by Fairview Funeral Home, Inc.
Elda Norman Callaway, 99
Jul 28, 2005
Elda Norman Callaway was born May 2, 1906, the eldest child of Dr. Robert M. and Lissie (Hartley) Norman. Her birthplace was the house which is now the Ozark Hotel.
At the age of two, her parents bought a home just north of the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home. The house burned in 1973, but for over 60 years it was the Norman's home and later that of their grandson, Bob Crain. Elda's present home was built in 1941 on the Norman's "Garden Site" for Elda, her husband, Ben Callaway, and children, Mac and Cynthia.
Elda and her only sister, Reba, spent many happy times with family and friends in the Norman home during their Ava school years and college years. Elda graduated valedictorian from Ava High School and attended Drury College, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She met Ben Callaway, of Enid, Oklahoma, while they were students at Drury. Elda taught first grade at Ava one year, finished her degree at the University of Missouri, Columbia, and then taught English at Ava High School in 1928-29.
On May 20, 1929, she and Ben were married and until 1937, they lived in Independence, Kans., Covington, Okla., and Chanute, Kans., while Ben worked for Long Bell Lumber Company as assistant manager and manager.
In 1937, they moved to Ava to be near her parents after her sister Reba's death. Ben became the owner of Callaway Oil Company. In 1944, Mrs. Norman died and Elda and Ben's family expanded to include her father, Dr. Norman, and Reba's son, Bob Crain.
Elda spent the 1940's and 1950's being wife, mother, and "helper" in her father's medical practice after he lost his vision. She did all the ordinary household work and also canned produce from her father's farm, sewed (this was to become one of her favorite pastimes, and she was an excellent seamstress) and found time to be active in various clubs - Fortnightly, Chapter IH P.E.O. of which she was a charter member, Art Club and bridge groups, along with supporting the many civic groups in which Ben was active.
All this while including the usual school activities of Bob, Mac and Cynthia. The Callaway household expanded during the years to include Ben's mother for extended visits and his aunt, Lena Brown, who lived with Elda and Ben before she entered the nursing home in Ava. Elda was a very busy lady.
In the years since the family left home, Elda found a new hobby, working in the yard with her flowers. After Ben's death in 1983, and the loss of her central vision, she enjoyed her flowers and time spent with her family, which now includes grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Elda became very interested in the success of the Douglas County Historical Museum and was a great supporter of it. The May 1993 issue of their Journal was dedicated to her.
The past few years, she has remained in her home with the help of many wonderful caregivers. Their devotion and care has been highly appreciated by the family. Elda was a member of the Ava United Methodist Church.
Elda was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. R. M. and Lissie Norman; sister, Reba Crain; husband, Ben Callaway; and son, Mac Callaway.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law, JoEtta (Whitacre) Callaway, of Springfield, Mo.; her daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Art Farnham, of Wichita, Kans.; their son, David Farnham (Debbie) and son, Gabe, of Wichita, Kans., and their son, John Farnham, of San Francisco, Calif.; her nephew and his wife, Bob and Deloris Crain, of Ava, and their daughter, Leigh Heriford (Randy) and Adam, Cody and Olivia Heriford.
Services were held Wednesday, July 27, at 10 a.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, with the Revs. Oren Alcorn and Greg Dowler officiating.
Interment was in the Ava Cemetery.
A visitation was held in the family home on Tuesday evening.
Family requests memorials to be made to the Douglas County Historical Museum or Ava United Methodist Church.
James R. Bolte, 55
Jul 28, 2005
James Richard “Jim” Bolte, 55, Ava, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 23, 2005.
He was born March 10, 1950, in Salina, Kan., the son of Armin George and Ruth Caroline (Sauerteig) Bolte.
Jim graduated from Ava High School in 1968 and from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1972, with a degree in animal husbandry. Upon graduation he fulfilled his NROTC duties with the U.S. Navy in the Mediterranean Sea aboard the USS Forrestal and obtained the rank of lieutenant.
After his discharge in 1975, he became employed with Farmers Home administration at Farmington.
There he met a young clerk, Mary Sue Weber, who became his loving bride on Aug. 6, 1977.
They resided in Farmington, West Plains and Ava as they followed Jim’s work assignments. At the time of his death, Jim was completing his 30th year of employment as a loan officer with Farm Service Agency, formerly known as Farmers Home Administration.
He was a devoted husband, and caring father who dearly loved his family as well as his large extended family. He was also a faithful Christian man and head elder for a number of years at Zion Lutheran Church of Diggins. His faith, family and farming were very important in his life, and he spoke frequently of their significance.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary; two sons, William George Bolte, Overland Park, Kan., and Robert James Bolte, Springfield; his mother, Ruth Bolte, Ava; two sisters, Barbara Holmes and husband, Larry, of Diggins, and Beth Butcher and husband, Stephen, of Sikeston; one aunt, Mary Alice Sauerteig, Indianapolis, Ind.; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and many caring friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, A.G. Bolte.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today (Thursday) in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ava, with the Rev. Dana Wilkie officiating.
Burial will follow in the Turkey Creek Cemetery with full military honors rendered by American Legion Post 112 and VFW Post 5993.
An open visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.
The family requests memorial donations be given to the Zion Lutheran Church or Gideons International, c/o Barnes Family Funeral Home.
John Lester Follis, 66
Jul 28, 2005
John Lester Follis, age 66, of Albuquerque, N.M., passed away July 16, 2005, at the V. A. Hospital in Albuquerque, N.M.
He was born Dec. 29, 1938, in Denver, Colo., to John Henry and Frances Rosalie (Newton) Follis.
On Feb. 14, 1964, he was united in marriage to Virginia Smith and to this union, five children were born.
John was a Navy career man who enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 1/2 on Sept. 7, 1956. He was a proud member of the Seventh Fleet for many years. His first cruise aboard the U.S.S. McDermut DD-677 was early in 1957 to the West Pacific. On the 1957 cruise, they crossed the equator on their way to Singapore. During the day-long ceremony, they became "Trusted Shellbacks." They also visited the ports of British Malaya, Subic Bay, and Hong Kong. His second tour of duty was aboard the U.S.S. Carpenter DDE-825 from Nov. 1957 to Oct. 1958. She sailed outward-bound by way of Samoa; Sydney, Australia; Manus; and Guam, thus varying the usual passage via Midway to Japan. His third tour was aboard the U.S.S. Nicholas DDE-449 from Dec. 1958 to Oct. 1959 to the Western Pacific ports of Manila, Singapore, Okinawa, Hong Kong, Yokosuka, Sasebo, Kobe and Nagoya - the last four all being in Japan. From June 1962 to March 1964, John received some well deserved shore duty and was stationed at the Supply Department, Stock Control Section, of the U.S. Naval Air Station at Glenview, Illinois. John served two tours in Vietnam before he was stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M. from late 1973 to late 1980 where he served as a Navy Recruiter. Then he boarded the U.S.S. Tarawa LHA-1 from Nov. 1980 to April 1981 enroute to Subic Bay, Thailand, Korea, Singapore, Indian Ocean, Diego Garcia, Perth, and San Diego. John was promoted to Senior Chief in May of 1983 and retired from the Navy in March 1984.
John was preceded in death by his father, John Henry Follis; maternal grandparents, Lester and Ada Mae (Williams) Newton; and an adopted son, ENFN Lester Earl Follis, U.S. Navy, who passed away at age 20 in 1982 aboard the U.S.S. Durham L.K.A. 114 of the Pacific fleet.
John is survived by two daughters, Anne Marie Blue and husband, Kenneth, of Chesapeake, Va., and Clara Celeste Bullock and husband, Gordon, of High Springs, Fla.; three sons, Travis Martin, of Minneapolis, Minn., Eric Nolan and wife, Stacey, and Kirk Wilson and wife, Danice, both of Virginia Beach, Va.; his mother, Frances Rosalie (Newton) Follis, who resides in Forsyth Health Care Center, Forsyth; three brothers, Fred and wife, Joan, of Ava, Allen Thomas and wife, Donna, of Oak Grove, and William Edward and wife, Vivian, of Forsyth; one sister, Carolyn Rosalie Berry and husband, James M. Berry, of Forsyth, Carolyn Ray, of Woodsboro, Texas; wife Chieko, of Albuquerque, N.M.; and 12 grandchildren.
Robert D. “Bob” Witchey, 69
Aug 25, 2005
Robert “Bob” Witchey, son of Glenn E. Witchey and Gladys M. (Evilsisor) Witchey, was born Sept. 11, 1935, in Douglas County, Mo., and departed this life Aug. 21, 2005, at the age of 69.
Bob was a resident of the Ava area for most of his life. He was employed as a logger, auto mechanic and farmer. He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
On Aug. 30, 1958, Bob and Beverly Ann Robinson were united in marriage in East Moline, Ill., and to this union, three children were born. Bob loved to be with his family.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Earl.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly; three children, Ronald Witchey and Denise, Moscow, Texas, Carrie McIntosh and Jay, Springfield, and Todd Witchey and Kim, Livingston, Texas; five grandchildren, Elizabeth and husband, Mert Seaton, Elida Witchey, Todd Jr. and Josh Witchey, and Dean Pierce; three step-grandchildren, Jeremy and Chelsey Newlon and Maranda Choates; two brothers, Cecil and Gene Witchey, both of Ava; three sisters, Arlene Springs, Warsaw, Arlyce Lankford, Brookline, and Betty Kinyon, Ava; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services will be at 2 p.m. today (Thursday) in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home with Pastor Eddie Cabrera officiating.
Interment will follow in Whites Creek Cemetery.
Visitation was from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.
Faye (Buchanan) Robertson Jessen, 73
Aug 18, 2005
Faye (Buchanan) Robertson Jessen, 73, Ava, passed away Monday, Aug. 15, 2005, at her home. She was born June 6, 1932, the daughter of Walter J. and Allie (Slate) Buchanan, and one of 22 siblings.
She was an active member of First General Baptist Church. Her passions in life were worshipping her Lord Jesus Christ, loving her family, enjoying time spent with friends and serving her neighbors.
Faye was an avid member of Eastern Star, where she joyfully served on numerous boards and committees.
She proudly worked in the aerospace industry. She also served as an educator, a dental assistant, and a dance instructor.
Faye exhibited a tremendous zeal for life in all she did. She demonstrated her great faith through her service to others. All who knew her for the wonderful person she was, will miss her companionship. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of we who were fortunate enough to have been touched by her unselfish life. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
She was preceded in death by her parent, her first husband, Paul O'Neil Robertson, and 20 siblings.
Surviving family members include, husband, Walter "Walley" J. Jessen, of the home; on son, Ric W. Buchanan, and wife, Jane, of Ava; one daughter, Robin L. Buchanan, of Ava; three step-children, David Jessen and wife, Doreen, of Ann Arbor, Mich., Tim Jessen and wife, Rosie, Murrieta, Calif., Dan Jessen and wife, Krista, Belgrade, Mont.; 11 grandchildren, Chenoa and Annalisa Carpenter, both of Ozark, Adam Buchanan, of Ava, Riki Buchanan, of Springfield, LeeAllie and Zac Buchanan, both of Ava, Lea Jessen and Dana Jessen, both of Ann Arbor, Mich., Josiah Jessen, of Oregon, Nathan Jessen and Samuel Jessen, both of Murrieta, Calif.; one great-grandson, Hunter Carpenter, of Ozark; one sister, Velma Arbuckle, of Ava; other relatives and countless friends who were also cherished members of her family.
A Memorial service is planned for Saturday, 7 p.m., Aug. 20, at First General Baptist Church, Ava, with Rev. Robert Roberts and Rev. Dustin Ledford officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Neighbor Helping Neighbor or Gideons International, % Barnes Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 65, Ava, MO 65608.
Arrangements for cremation and memorial service are under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ava.
Claude Ralph Potter, 75
Aug 18, 2005
Claude Ralph Potter, the son of Earl Potter and Opal Davidson Potter, was born on June 9, 1930 in McClurg, in Taney County, and passed away on Aug. 11, 2005, in Springfield, at the age of 75.
Claude was a resident of Bradleyville for 38 years. He was a retired machinist and had worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Ava for 28 years. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and served his country in the U. S. Army.
On Dec. 4, 1961, Claude and Ruthie Harnden were united in marriage in Miami, Okla.
Claude was a Christian. He enjoyed singing and playing his guitar. He loved horseback riding and visiting with people and talking about history. Claude was always known to reach out to older people.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Bill Potter.
Survivors include his wife, Ruthie, of the home in Bradleyville; two sisters, Earlean Evans and Sue Valentine, both of Ava; five nieces and one nephew, Pamela Caswell, Shurdena, LaRaine and Lacy Evans, Jayma Potter and Monty Valentine; and close friends, Denise and Joey Aldridge, Forsyth; and a host of relatives and friends.
Services were held Monday, August 15, at 10 a.m. at the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, with the Rev. Bill Austin officiating.
Interment was in the Bethel Cemetery under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.
