Gladys A. Overshiner
Gladys Anna Overshiner, 91, Humansville, died Friday, June 18, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Hospital. The daughter of John and Kitty Lunderman Pitts, she was born June 5, 1908, near Polk. She married Willie C. Overshiner June 12, 1927. They operated Overshiner Grocery in Humansville for 35 years. Her husband preceded her in death Aug. 22, 1975. Two brothers, Andy and Willie, and a sister, Vera, also preceded her in death. She was a member of Humansville First Baptist Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher for 18 years. Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Gerald D. and Barbara Overshiner, Humansville; three grandchildren, Kimberly, Shawn and Shandalyn; and seven great-grandchildren. Graveside services were Monday, June 21, in Humansville Cemetery with the Rev. Martin Micke officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Murray Funeral Home, Humansville.
Louis E. Peek
Louis E. Peek, 74, Bolivar, died Tuesday, June 1, 1999, in his home. He was born April 11, 1925, in Sewart City, Neb. He was retired from MD Pneumatics and was a member of the First Church of God in Bolivar. He was united in marriage to Carrie J. King on June 4, 1963. Survivors include a son, Tommy L. King of Lincoln, Neb.; a daughter and son-in-law, Lois and Tom Letterman of Half Way; a brother, Bill Pilmore, state of Missouri; two sisters, Beverly Couey and Marge Skaggs, both of Lincoln, Neb.; and six grandchildren, Randy King, Rodney King, Tom Letterman Jr., Christina Letterman, Jamie King and Curtis King. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carrie, on June 8, 1994. Services were Friday, June 4, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Jim Friend officiating. Burial followed in Little Vine Cemetery, Niangua.
Bitha Lee Peterson
Bitha Lee Peterson, 80, Louisburg, formerly of Goodson, died at 8:57 p.m. Thursday, June 17, 1999, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, following a lengthy illness. She was born Nov. 13, 1918, in Goodson to Abis and Nella Needham Hawkins and graduated from Emma Dee High School in Goodson. She was united in marriage to James B. Peterson, who preceded her in death on July 23, 1989. She was a member of Lindley Creek Missionary Baptist Church and the Ventura, Calif., Eastern Star Chapter No. 75. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, James and Patricia Peterson of Louisburg; one grandchild; one brother, Willis Ray Hawkins of Plattsburg; and 10 sisters, Faye Rosenthal of Daytona Beach, Fla., Alene Warde of Aurora, Colo., Susan Rothrock of Colorado Springs, Colo., Dora Barnes of Santa Paula, Calif., Carlene Wollard of Springfield, Betty Bisbee of Urbana, Avonell Williamson of Springfield, Mae Scroggins of Urbana, Jane Leavitt of Webb City, and Jean Polly of Denver, Colo; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Services were Monday, June 21, at Lindley Creek Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Dennis Spear officiating. Music was provided by the Lindley Creek choir. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Steve Peterson, Ed Peterson, Michael Jamison, Tuff Hamlet, Milford Hammerbacher and Robert Peterson. Honorary pallbearers will be Edwin Peterson, Fred Leavitt and willis Hawkins. Arrangements were under the direction of Pitts Chapel.
Ellis R. Presley
Ellis Ray Presley, 83, Springfield, died at 2:15 p.m. June 30, 1999, in St. John's Regional Health Center. He was born Feb. 17, 1916, in Morrisville and was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Springfield. He was preceded in death by his father, Gus Presley; his mother, Stella Presley; and a brother, Tony Presley. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Bertha Presley; two sons, Roy Lynn Presley and his wife, Betty, Pleasant Hope, and Tim Presley and his wife Nina, Strafford; a daughter, Margaret Carroll and her husband, Jerry, Springfield; seven grandchildren and two step-grandchildren; a sister, Francis Rucker, Springfield; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services were Saturday, July 3, in Greenlawn Funeral Home South. Interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
James W. Rash
James William Rash was born Aug. 24, 1914, in Redlands, Calif., to John William Rash and Pearl Bessie Wright. He departed this earth on June 10, 1999, at the age of 84 years and 10 months following a short illness. He grew up in Hickory County, and all of his friends and family knew him as Bill. There on the Wheatland prairie he met and married Elzada Marie Skinner. He recently recounted to his grandsons one night around a card table the story of their meeting. He told the boys there was a gathering in the neighborhood and when she walked through the front door she was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. And from that day until her death they were together. They were married on Aug. 31, 1935, and to this union were born three sons and one daughter. Bill spent most of his life as a farmer and a trader, and he retired from Gardener Trailer Company in Bolivar. Bill and Zada spent the last 35 years in Goodson until Zada parted from him in death in November 1998. Then he moved to Bolivar with his daughter. Bill loved to have company and to play cards. He always liked to joke with his grandkids. He would sing them songs and teach them poems, some of which we parents did not think were as funny as Grandpa did! He taught us all the meaning of hard work and doing with what you have, and being satisfied but always looking forward. Our dad's favorite dress attire was his bib overalls, and if there was a special occasion he wore his best dress clothes--his striped bib overalls. His grandsons will pay special tribute to their grandfather as they carry him to his final resting place by wearing their special dress attire--striped bib overalls and flannel shirts. Bill is survived by his three sons, John W. (Jack) Rash of Brandon, James E. (Jim) Rash and wife Kay of Goodson, Robert e. (Bob) Rash and wife Donna Sue of Bolivar, and a daughter, Margie Pearl Keith and husband Lloyd of Bolivar; 19 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Clifford (George) Rash and wife Francis of Cross Timbers and Edgar O. (Hot Shot) Rash and wife Jean of Hermitage; one sister, Savilla Skinner of Yucaipa, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Ellen Rash of Cross Timbers; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elzada Marie Rash; a brother, Walter (Buster) Rash; and a sister, Gladias Rash. Bill's final resting place will be in the Cross Timbers Cemetery beside his loving wife, Zada. (20c)
Judith Ann Redford
Judith Ann Redford, 60, Bolivar, died at 9:10 p.m. Saturday, June 19, 1999, at St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, after a long illness. She was born Jan. 12, 1939, in Sedalia, the daughter of Bill and Mildred Payne. She graduated in 1959 from nurses' training in Hayes, Kan., as a registered nurse. Judy lived most of her life in Bolivar and devoted her time as a provider of loving service to others in need. She was united in marriage to Gary M. Redford Sept. 3, 1961. They were blessed with six beautiful children and five gifted grandchildren. Judy was a member of the Bolivar United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Payne, and a nephew, "Baby Todd." She is survived by her husband, Gary, of the home; three daughters, Holly Batson, her husband, Tony, and their children, Adam and Mallory, Missy Redford-Shay and her children, Brady and Ali, and Julie Smith, her husband, Chuck, and daughter, Brittney, all of Bolivar; three sons, Greg Redford of New York, N.Y., Chris Redford of Springfield and John Redford of Bolivar; her mother, Mildren Payne of Lamar; two sisters, Linda Payne and Susan Medlin and her husband, Don, of Lamar; three brothers, Danny Payne and his wife, Ann, Todd Payne and his wife, Lori, all of Lamar, and John Payne and his ife, Paula, of Ozark; a sister-in-law and her husband, Judy and Gary McCracken of Nixa; several nieces and nephews and many, many friends. Judy was a generous, creative, compassionate person with an abundant amount of unconditional love for everyone. During the last few years of her illness, Judy took up cross-stitching. Her love of family and friends showed in each stitch. She treasured the many visits from her family and friends, but her greatest enjoyment was when she attended all of grandchildren's sporting events that they were involved in. "To the world, you may be one person; but to one person, you may be the world." Services will be at 10:30 a.m. today (Wednesday) at the Butler Funeral Home with Dr. Ron Kemp officiating. In lieu of burial, her ashes will be scattered over her favorite places--anywhere the voices of young children can be heard. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in care of Butler Funeral Home.
Kenneth B. Roberts
Kenneth B. Roberts, 68, Springfield, died Friday, June 11, 1999, in his home following a lingering illness. He was born Jan. 24, 1931, in Oklahoma to Lovell and Irma Roberts. He was retired from Associated Grocers in Springfield as a transportation supervisor. He was of the Baptist faith. Her served during the Korean Conflict as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps; he was also a past Post Commander of the V.F.W. Post no. 5314 in Willard. He was united in marriage to Gloria Maxine Donogne, who preceded him in death on Nov. 15, 1998. Survivors include daughters Cheri Van Ryswyck and her husband, Jerry, of Springfield, Gail Hardin, state of Florida, and Cherie Reinhart and her husband, Mark, Kansas City; a son, Jerry Roberts of Kansas City; a brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Jenny Roberts of Springfield; his mother, Irma Roberts of Bolivar; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father; his wife; a brother, Scott Roberts; and an infant brother. Services were Tuesday, June 15, in Pitts Chapel with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson and the Rev. J.D. Wooley officiating. Eulogy was given by Agnes McThetridge. Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery with military rites by AmVets Post No. 114.
Mable I. Root
Mabel Irene Root, 76, Humansville, died Sunday, June 20, 1999, at her home. The daughter of Francis Columbus "Lum" and Fannie Henson Root, she was born Oct. 21, 1922, near Chadwick. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis W. Root, on Nov. 20, 1975, and her father, Columbus "Lum" Root. Survivors include her mother, Fannie Pratt of Humansville; a brother, Lewis Pratt, New Franklin; two maternal aunts, Lea Hale and Pearl Must, both of Springfield; five nephews, Charles Pratt and his wife, Nora, Amarillo, Texas, Roger Pratt and his wife, Cynthia, Washington, Ind., Dennis Pratt and his wife, Sharon, and Val J. Pratt, all of Conjon, N.M., and Ernest Pratt and his wife, Nancy, New Franklin; a niece, Lori Pratt, New Franklin; eight great-nephews, four great-nieces and numerous cousins. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 25, in Murray Chapel, Humansville, with the Rev. Roger Pratt officiating. Pallbearers will be Lowell Myers, David Acuna, Ted Nichols, Tempton Hall, Charley York and Jesse Davis. Interment will be in Humansville Cemetery. Friends may call at their convenience in the funeral home after 9 a.m. Thursday, June 24.
Roxana Rush
Roxana Pearl Emory Rush, 100, Bolivar, died Friday, June 11, 1999, in Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. She was born May 30, 1899, to the late James Harmon and Nancy Catherine Payne Emory on a farm near Polk. She was the eldest of nine children and was preceded in death by one sister, Eva Mashburn, and one brother, Junior Emory. She is survived by three sisters, Ica Scrievner, Anna Mashburn and Willette Reser, all of Bolivar, and three brothers, Jesse Emory of Ventura, Calif., Jay L. Emory of Santa Paula, Calif., and Johnny Emory of Independence. On May 3, 1919, she was united in marriage to the late Roy Laurel Rush in Buffalo. To this union five children were born, two of whom preceded her in death: a son who died at one week old and Emory Dean Rush of Lebanon. Surviving children include two daughters, Irene Franklin of Bolivar and Evelyn Reser of Marshall, and one son, James Rush of Osceola. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and friends. She and her husband owned and operated several businesses in the Urbana area, including the United Real Estate Agency, from which they both retired before moving to Bolivar. She was a founder and active member of the Urbana Eastern Star, a member of the Urbana Rebecca Lodge and a member of the First Baptist Church in Urbana. Services were Saturday, June 13, in Butler Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Greg Jackson officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery near Urbana. Casketbearers were Gary Franklin, Heath Hawkins, Ronnie Rush, Andy Seller, Rick Rush and Matt Hare.
Nell Sewell
Nell Sewell, 84, Springfield, died June 6, 1999, in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. Nell was born Oct. 4, 1914, near Walnut Grove to William and Mary Alice Sewell. After graduating from Walnut Grove High School, she entered Southwest Missouri Teachers College and earned her bachelor of science degree. She later added a master of education degree. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Iota, the Delta Kappa Gamma, the Retired Teachers Association and was active with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield. Nell first taught in rural schools before becoming a teacher with the Springfield School System. Her talent for supporting and encouraging other teachers led her to become the elementary language arts coordinator for the Springfield Public Schools. She was effective in this position for 25 years. During this time she also taught at Drury College. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and a sister. Nell is survived by a nephew and his wife, Shirley and Doris Sewell, and a niece and her husband, Norma and Wayne DeRossett, all of Bolivar; two great-nephews and a great-niece, as well as several cousins and many friends. Nell attended Walnut Lawn Church of God in Springfield. She loved her church and showed her faith by helping others, especially children. At the age of 81, Nell began piecing quilts. She pieced many beautiful quilts, giving them to family and friends. Services were Wednesday, June 9, in Walnut Lawn Church of God, Springfield, with the Rev. Wesley Drummond officiating. Burial followed in Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove, under the direction of Wilson-Brim-Daniel Funeral Home, Walnut Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Walnut Lawn Church of God or Springfield Area Retired Teachers. Nell will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. (21c)
