Dorothy I. Nottingham
Dorothy Itress Nottingham, 87, Nixa, died at 2:46 p.m. Monday, April 26, 1999, in Balanced Care, Nixa. The daughter of James Clyde and Hattie Ethel Paul Litle, she was born Feb. 28, 1912, in Dunnegan. She was a homemaker and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Dunnegan. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Nottingham, in 1959. Survivors include two daughters, Carol J. Fare of Nixa and Berneta Ann Kimmons of Billings; a sister, Marjorie Gould of Aurora; and a brother, Paul Litle of Kansas City. Also surviving are six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 30, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Robert Gould officiating. Music will be provided by Kellye Carter, soloist. Burial will follow in Dunnegan Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Michael Fare, Jim Kimmons, Jeremy Meyer, Jarrod Meyer, Dustin Gann, Alex Jobe, Edward Fare and Jerry Kimmons.
Virgil W. Pickering
Virgil William Pickering, 81, Tulare, Calif., died Monday, April 19, 1999, at Kaweah Delta District Hospital. He was born Aug. 2, 1917, in Fair Play. On Aug. 26, 1936,in Polk County, he was married to Fern Mead, who preceded him in death May 14, 1998. He was a retired park superintendent, working for the city of Lindsay, Calif., for 25 years. After his retirement from the Lindsay Parks Dept. at age 62 in 1979, he was known as a lawnmower repairman. He became a Christian early in life and was an active member of the Lindsay First Church of the Nazarene. He was preceded in death by a brother, Johnnie Pickering. Survivors include one son, Larry Pickering, Turlook, Calif.; two daughters, Bonnie Jones of Tulare, Calif., and Judith Kay Losh of Bakersfield, Calif.; one sister, Eunice Hamlin of Stockton; seven grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one nephew, John Pickering of La Mirada, Calif., and two nieces, Shirley Minor of Merced, Calif., and Loretta Speight of Dadeville. Services were Thursday, April 22, at Webb-Sanders Funeral Home, Lindsay, Calif. Burial was in Strathmore Cemetery, Lindsay, Calif.
Lewis J. Pierce
Lewis J. "Bill" Pierce, 75, Bolivar, was born April 23, 1924, at Eldon and departed this life on Friday, April 23, 1999, at Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility . Bill was a retired truck driver after 30 years in Delano, Calif., and Kansas City. He served in World War II and was wounded on the advance from Anzio, Italy, to Rome. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Bill was saved at the age of 32 at Good Hope Baptist Church in Kansas City. Several years later he united with Jericho Baptist Church in Independence. After moving to Bolivar, he moved his membership to Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a member at the time of his passing. Bill was united in marriage to Floretta Combs on Nov. 9, 1945. To this union God added one daughter, who was Bill's pride and joy. He leaves behind his wife, Floretta, of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Larry Stanek of Bolivar; two grandchildren, Cherie and Kera, and one great-grandson; a brother, Orville Pierce of Winters, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. Bill was a quiet, caring man, never wanting to hurt anyone. He will be sadly missed by his family, friends and the employees at Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. He bore his suffering with great dignity. Services were Monday, April 26, in Pitts Chapel with Bro. Gayland Lightfoot and Elder Douglas Skinner officiating. Music was provided by the Calvary Church choir, Debra Stanek and Cherie Stanek. Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery with full military honors by AmVets Post No. 114. Color guard detail was from the American Legion Post No. 138.
William Ruzicka
William "Bill" Ruzicka, 86, Bolivar, died at 7:50 a.m. Monday, April 19, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. He was born Feb. 7, 1913, in Bolivar to James and Magdalene Hruska Ruzicka. He was a farmer and had served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the D.A.V. in Bolivar. Survivors include a brother and sister-in-law, John and Mary Francis Ruzicka, Springfield; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Mary Francka of Springfield, Tracy and James Francka of Bolivar and Irene and Edward Otradovec of Springfield; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Alois, Frank and Jimmie; and a sister, Rose Francka. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. David Holsoff and the Rev. Thomas P. Kiefer presiding. Burial will follow in St. Wencenslaus Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Matthew Ruzicka, Jim Otradovec, Kenny Ruzicka, John Francka, Jake Francka and Jerry Francka. Honorary pallbearers will be Joseph Ruzicka, Tony Ruzicka, James Francka Sr., Edward Otradovec, James Francka Jr., Clarence "Bud" Grider and Ed Kroutil. Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Chapel.
Billy E. Samuels
Billy E. Samuels, 65, Bolivar, died at 8:40 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 1999, in Parkview Health Care Facility. He was born Aug. 16, 1933, in Yalobusha County, Miss., the son of Roy Hastel and Edith Carlene Moore Samuels. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a retired school teacher and football and basketball coach. He had lived in Bolivar since 1991. He is survived by his wife, Sally Samuels, of the home, whom he married July 19, 1986, in Water Valley, Miss. Also surviving are four sons, Billy Joe Samuels of Water Valley, Miss., Danny Lee Fisk of Grand Park, Ill., John Thomas Fisk of Jackson, Miss., and Bobby Chris Fisk of Bolivar; four daughters, Joy Carol Jones and Kay Hardy, both of Water Valley, Miss., Wanda Louise Malone of Munsville, Ky., and Cynthia Inez Lester of Coffeyville, Miss.; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Services were Monday, April 19, in Butler Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. G. Scott Carlton officiating. Music was provided by Mike Stephens and Cheryl Bowers, vocalists, and Jobeth Maas, pianist. Burial followed in Mt. Gilead Cemetery. Casketbearers were Larry Beesinger, Matthew Samuels, Joshua Samules, Tony Bowers, Heath Horan and Gary Short. Military honors were conducted by AmVets Post 114, Flemington.
Clara E. Sanders
Clara E. Sanders, 67, Fair Play, died Thursday, April 8, 1999, in her home. She was of the Pentecostal faith and had been employed by Teters Floral Products for more than 20 years. Survivors include her seven children, Marie Amsberg and her husband, Butch, of Camdenton; Libby Carey, state of Ohio; Roberta Choate and her husband, Wayne, of Stockton; Brenda Wolf and her husband, Bill, and Judy Jarman and her husband, Eddie, all of Bolivar; Robert Sanders, Fair Play; and May Todd, Willard; two brothers, four sisters, 24 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a baby daughter, Rhonda, on Aug. 1, 1966. Graveside services were Sunday, April 11, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Norman Culbertson officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.
Roy B. Shuler
Roy B. Shuler, 91, Bolivar, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 7, 1999, at Citizens Memorial Hospital after three months of serious illness. He was born to William Charlton and Emma Burros Shuler on May 27, 1907, near Aldrich. He was united in marriage to Mittie Hawkins on Dec. 29, 1926. Three children were born to this union: Roy Wayne Shuler of Springfield, Emogene Corum of Morrisville and Marlyn Shuler of Bolivar. Roy was a carpenter and a farmer. He attended grade school at Runyon east of Bolivar and high school at Bolivar. Except for a few years in New Mexico, where his parents homesteaded when he was a child, and a few years in Oregon during the early 1940s, he lived his entire life in Polk and Cedar counties. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mittie, after almost 68 years of marriage; two brothers, Earl and Kenneth, and one sister, Lois. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Billie Jo Barber Shuler of Springfield; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruth and Olen Hamlin of Springfield and June and Arlo Vincent of Sedalia; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bolivar and had been a Christian since he was a very young man. He had been unable to attend services for the last few months but held onto his beliefs throughout his last troubled weeks of life. He was dearly loved by his family and will always be remembered as the loving father and grandfather that he was. Services were Saturday, April 10, in Butler Chapel with the Rev. Ray Leininger officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich, with the Rev. Joe Dayringer officiating. Music was provided by Ronn Ramey, soloist, and Marta Ramey, pianist. Casketbearers were Mike Shuler, Mark Shuler, Larry Corum, Jim Corum, Alan Edwards, Stanley McHaffie, Jim Loftis, Jeff Burns and Ron Wilson.
Betty Lee Simmons
Betty Lee Simmons, El Dorado Springs, died at 1:45 a.m. Saturday, April 24, 1999, in St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, at the age of 65 years, 10 months and 13 days. She was born June 11, 1933, in Bolivar, the daughter of Vernie Austin and Ethel Stewart Austin. She was a resident of El Dorado Springs and had formerly lived in Kansas City. She loved her family more than anything. She was best known for her sweet nature and her famous homemade bread. She suffered for many years with rheumatic heart disease and was a patient at St. Luke's Hospital at the time of her death. Our family wishes to thank all the physicians, nurses and staff for their wonderful care over the last several months. We also wish to thank Brother Charles for his visit and the members of the First Baptist Church of Raytown, Brother Kevin and the members of ICC of Independence for holding her up in prayer. She was preceded in death by her father, Vernie Austin, and her infant daughter, Barbara Jane Simmons. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Troy Simmons; her mother, Ethel Gordon of El Dorado Springs; three children, David Lee Simmons of El Dorado Springs, Jeff (J.W.) Simmons of Peculiar and Linda Mohn of Raytown; two brothers, Bob Austin of Stockton and Roy Austin of Independence; two sisters, Joanne Knapp and Sharon Skelton, both of Peculiar; a sister and brother-in-law, Almetia and Grimes Barnes of Polk; six grandchildren, Sandi Taylor, Paula Mendex, Philip, Troy, Jenniver and Barbara Mohn; and six great-grandchildren, Ashlie Frazier, Zachary and Brittany Taylor, Courtney, Alana and Joseph Mendez. She was a loving wife, giving daughter, protective mother, caring sister, thoughtful aunt and generous grandmother. We will all miss her. Romans 8:38-39 and Psalm 118:24. Services were Tuesday, April 27, in Butler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Donald R. Hart officiating. Burial was in Antioch Cemetery near Pittsburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Antioch Cemetery c/o Antioch Christian Church, HCR 79, Box 1267, Pittsburg MO 65724-9728. (13c)
Austin Slagle Sr.
Austin Lee Slagle Sr., 74, Willard, formerly of the Slagle area, died Wednesday, April 7, 1999, in his home. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was retired from Dayco after 26 years as a shipping clerk. He was a member of Robberson Prairie Baptist Church for 35 years and had been a deacon. Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou, of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and David Tromb of Branson; a son and daughter-in-law, Austin Lee Jr. and Marie Slagle of Willard; a brother and sister-in-law, James Robert and Bonnie Slagle of Walnut Grove; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and two brothers. Services were Saturday, April 10, at Robberson Prairie Baptist Church with burial following in the church cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home, Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Robberson Prairie Baptist Church or Cemetery.
Sam Kirby Sr.
Sam Kirby Sr., 81, Half Way, died Sunday, April 4, 1999, in Parkview Health Care Facility. He was born Dec. 21, 1917, in Pettis County to Franklin Fet and Josephine Cinderella Crabtree Kirby. He was united in marriage to Audrey Faye Davis, and to this union four children were born, Sam Jr., Connie Faye, Charles and Rolla. He was the owner and operator of Kirby's Cottage Grocery from 1948 to 1960 and operated a service station until his retirement. He was a charter member of the Alert fire department and a former member of the Optimist Club. He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Sam B. Jr. and Chandra Kirby of Half Way, Charles and Angela Kirby and Rolla and Patricia Kirby, all of Bolivar; a daughter and son-in-law, Connie Faye and Jerry Ethridge of Collierville, Tenn.; a brother, Charles C. Kirby of Independence; three sisters, Zula Landers, Ida Hall and Edna Randall, all of Sedalia; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Faye, in May 1990; three sisters, one brother and two grandsons. Services were Wednesday, April 7, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Scott Carlton officiating. Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers were Richard Brown, John Davis, Larry Hall, Joe Kirby, Charlie Kirby Jr. and Loren Laird. Honorary pallbearers were Lloyd Cates, Matt Davis, Richard Ethridge, Brad Ethridge, Elwayne Harris, Ed Hedrick, Charlie Hendrickson, Scott Kirby, Mark Kirby, Fred Miller and Ray Potts.
