Alva B. Simpson
Alva B. Simpson, 82, Meridian, Idaho, formerly of the Polk County area, died Monday, April 3, 2000, in Boise, Idaho. He was born July 24, 1917, in Polk to Walter and Anne Ahart Simpson. On Aug. 14, 1943, in Santa Paula, Calif., he was united in marriage to Flossie Lee Butler. He was retired form the aerospace industry where he had been a maintenance supervisor. He is survived by his wife, Flossie, of the home; two daughters and a son-in-law, Donna and Doug Hart of Meridian, Idaho, and Carol Mooney of Grants Pass, Ore.; five brothers, Delbert Simpson of Shady Point, Okla., Bob Simpson of Polk, Leo Simpson of Bolivar, Romie Dale Simpson and Cliff Simpson, both of Ventura, Calif.; three sisters, Betty Ives and Dora Kay Miller, both of Bolivar, and Edna Pearl Jackson of Springfield; five grandsons, Matthew Hart, Drew Hart, Brent Hart, Clint Mooney and his wife, Christine, and Barrett Mooney; and a great-grandson, Anthony Mooney. Services were Saturday, April 8, in Pitts Chapel with Brother Donnie Lightfoot officiating. Burial followed in Payne Cemetery. Pallbearers were C.B. Mooney, Timmy Simpson, Ricky Simpson, Jerry Simpson, Robert Jackson and Leroy Simpson.
Vivian Jane Skidmore
Vivian Jane Skidmore, 85, Pleasant Hope, died at 1:55 a.m. Friday, April 28, 2000, in her brother's home. She was born Aug. 26, 1914, in Greene County. She retired from Cox Medical Center North. She was a member of Peace Chapel Assembly of God, Fair Grove. She gave of herself unselfishly for her family. She was a dear sister and aunt to many. She devoted many years to taking care of her father and siblings. Although she never bore children, she often filled the role of mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time in the garden and reading her Bible. Her loving parents, Reece and Ethel Skidmore, and her brother, Elroy Skidmore, preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Martha Cranor, and her husband, Leonard, of Rogersville; two brothers and their wives, Moncey and Joan Skidmore and Marvin and Betty Skidmore, all of Pleasant Hope; seven nephews, five nieces, 18 great-nephews, 21 great-nieces, 11 great-great-nephews, 12 great-great-nieces and many cousins and friends. Services were Monday, May 1, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North with burial in Freewill Chapel Cemetery near Olive. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Southwest Missouri for all their help.
Albert A. Vest Sr.
Albert Andy Vest Sr. was born March 26, 1926, and passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2000, on a beautiful spring morning. He was born in Half Way to Robert Vest and Sarah Belle Clemens Vest. He married Martha Emily Story on March 9, 1952, at the home of the Rev. Frank Little. To this union were born eight children. Albert was saved in the fall of 1976 and joined the Schofield MIssionary Baptist Church. He worked in the Half Way Feed Mill for seven years before beginning a career with the Missouri Department of Transportation in Half Way. After 29 years of service, he retired in 1987. Albert was a sportsman who loved to hunt and trap. He loved wildlife and spent many joyful hours gazing out his windows into a clearing, watching the deer and turkeys. He loved both flower and vegetable gardening, and in the last few years his hobby had been planting and caring for fruit trees. Always the provider, he would often say, "I may not be here to eat the fruit, but the kids will." The bond Albert shared with his wife and family was truly a special one. Over the last few years, he and his wife, Martha, were almost inseparable. The depth of their love and the bond of companionship grew deeper with each passing day. Albert had a special way of making everyone think they were his favorite. He never told them they were, he just made them feel that way. His children would tease him, trying to get him to admit they were his favorite. He would always say, "Well, you're one of them." His parents, his brother, William Mose Vest, and his daughter, Vanessa Ann Vest Blankenship, preceded Albert in death. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Martha; seven children and their spouses, Albert Andy Vest Jr. and Nancy, Cynthia Ellen Vest Payne and Ron, Veva Jane Vest Hegle and Gary, Earl Blankenship, Samuel Joseph Floyd Vest and Cindy, Robert Vest, Marla Linette Vest Henry and Michael and Lucille Shannon Vest Floyd and Ronnie. Also surviving are one brother and his wife, Robert Lee Vest and Velma; two sisters, Veva Irene Vest and Myrtle Jane Radford and her husband, Richard; a sister-in-law, Maxine Vest; a brother-in-law, Samuel Arthur Story Jr. and his wife, Mary; and 20 grandchildren. Services were Saturday, April 29, in Pitts Chapel with burial following in Schofield Cemetery. Pallbearers were Albert Andy Vest Jr., Sam Vest, Robert Vest, Ronald Payne, Gary Hegle and Gary Drake. Honorary pallbearers were his grandsons and sons-in-law. "Jesus said unto her, 'I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.'" John 11:25-26. It is in those words that we find comfort. Not only has God given us the precious memories of each day you filled our lives with joy, he has also given us the wonderful gift of knowing we can be together again for eternity. Daddy, we know you are in heaven now with our Annie. Know we are thinking of you and will love you always.
Emil E. Stanek
Emil Edward Stanek, 79, Bolivar, died Friday, April 7, 2000, in Parkview Health Care Facility. The son of Joseph T. and Mary Ruzicka Stanek, he was born near Bolivar April 19, 1920. On May 22, 1944, he married Virginia Jackson. A lifelong resident of Polk County, he was a farmer and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was a member of Council 8931 Knights of Columbus and Pope Pius X fourth degree Knights of Columbus, Springfield Council. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Joseph B. Stanek and Charles Stanek; and three sisters, Mame Francka, Rose Francka and Lillian Lane. Survivors include his wife, Virginia, of the home; three daughters, Linda Woods of Springfield, Sandra Sukovaty and Patricia Kirby, both of Bolivar; four sons, Victor Stanek, Mark Stanek and Chris Stanek, all of Bolivar, and Nick Stanek of Springfield; a brother, Frank Stanek of Long Island, N.Y.; four sisters, Sophia Westenberger of Springfield, Angeline Stanek of Bolivar, Dorothy Alberts of Chicago, Ill., and Emma Tribble of Mexico; 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Liturgy of Christian Burial was Tuesday, April 11, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Pat Wissman officiating. Lectors were Jessica Kirby and Andy Tribble. Altar server was Adam Quennoz. Music was by Margaret Kluthe, Kathy Hagar and Max Baer, accompanied by Carol Francka. Honorary pallbearers were Mike Woods, Jerry Sukovaty and Rolla Kirby. Pallbearers were Matthew Sukovaty, Andy Stanek, Jason Stanek, Kenton Stanek, Shawn Woods and Justin Stanek. Interment was in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery under the direction of Murray Funeral Home.
Eva V. Stewart
Eva V. Stewart, 79, Springfield, died Wednesday, April 5, 2000, in Greene Haven Nursing Home, Springfield. She was born Oct. 13, 1920, to Clifford A. and Gola Coursey Wells in Van. She is survived by her husband, Olin Cleo Stewart; a daughter, Rhonda Freeman, and her husband, Jerry; a son, Kennard Stewart, and his wife, Sherry; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two step-granddaughters and three step-great-granddaughters. Graveside services were Saturday, April 8, in Greenwood Cemetery with the Rev. Harold Hendrickson and Pastor Leland Burch officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home, Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 2021 W. Waverly, Suite 100, Springfield, MO 65804; Hospice of Southwest Missouri, 1465 E. Primrose, Suite A, Springfield, MO 65804; or a charity of the donor's choice.
Bernard E. Underwood
Bernard Enoch Underwood, 71, Bolivar, died Thursday, April 27, 2000, at Citizens Memorial Hospital. He was born Feb. 15, 1929, in Fair Play, the son of Benjamin Harrison and Bessie Cleo Ball Underwood. He attended school at Fair Play and at the age of 16, joined the Merchant Marines, where he served for two years. Then, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served his country for 21 years. He was very proud to tell anyone that he was retired from the Navy. On Dec. 23, 1977, he was united in marriage to Ruth Bays. At this time, he went to work for Griesmer Stone Co. in Springfield, where he worked for 12 years, before retiring. He was a loving husband, a devoted father and stepfather. He enjoyed being with his family for fish-fries and homemade ice-cream. He was a kind and gentle man whom everyone loved. He will be sadly missed by all who loved him, until we are all reunited again. Bernie was saved at the Fox School House at the age of 14 years and was baptized at Bear Creek. Later, he attended Center Point Baptist Church until failing health. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Billy, Frank, Fred, Farrol and Gordon; his step-son-in-law, Jim Coffey; and step-grandson, Todd Coffey. Bernie is survived by his wife, Ruth of the home; his daughter, Margenette Wells, and grandson, Richard Holloway, both of Antioch, Calif.; his sister and brother-in-law, Maxine and Bill Deaton of Bolivar; two sisters-in-law, Anna Dean Underwood of Grandview and Wanetta Underwood of Independence; three stepchildren, Jerry Bays and his wife, Dana, of Lewisville, Texas, Judy Carman and her husband, Dan, of Bolivar and Glenda Bays of Bolivar. Also surviving are 12 step-grandchildren, 22 step-great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends who will sadly miss him. Services were Sunday, April 30, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Dan Breshears and Bro. Floy Parrack. Musical selections were "The Last Mile Of The Way," "The Eastern Gate" and "Go Rest High On That Mountain." Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery, with full military honors conducted by the Galmay V.F.W. Post No. 9638. Casketbearers were Paul Underwood, John Underwood, Glen Bays, Hugh Hagar, Roy Gladden and Jerry Bunch.
Betty Lou Winslow
Betty Lou Winslow, 71, Marshfield, died at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, April 2, 2000, in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. Survivors include her husband, H.C. "Bud" Winslow of Marshfield; two sons, Herbert Winslow and his wife, Donna, of Carthage and Bob Winslow and his wife, Jan, of Highlandville; three grandchildren, Tres Winslow and his wife, Lisa, of Dearborn, Heather Winslow of Kansas City and Tobin Winslow and his wife, Jennifer, of Manhattan, Kan.; two great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Rebecca of Dearborn; and one brother, Cecil "Robbie" Robertson and his wife, Willis, of Marshfield. Services were Tuesday, April 4, at Day Funeral Home, Marshfield, with Dr. Jerry Cooney officiating. Burial was in Marshfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Marshfield United Methodist Church.
Donald W. Wolff
Donald W. Wolff, 56, Morrisville, died Tuesday afternoon, April 25, 2000, as the result of a traffic accident while riding his bicycle in the northbound lanes of Mo. 13 at the intersection of Mo. 215. Services were Friday, April 28, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, with burial in White Chapel Memorial Gardens.
Cecil Leroy Wollard
Cecil Leroy Wollard, Bolivar, died at 2:50 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2000, at Citizens Memorial Hospital at the age of 82 years, 8 months and 8 days. He was born July 27, 1917, near Dunnegan, Polk County, to Henry Weaver and Della Mae Nickels Wollard. The youngest of four children, including Eunice Edith, Mary Viola and Leland Rechow Wollard. He was a lifelong resident of Polk County, having lived near Dunnegan, Rondo and then finally settling on a hill four miles northwest of Bolivar in 1937, when he lived the remainder of his life. Around 1933, he met his future wife, Wauneta Faye Henson, and on October 19, 1938, they were married in the Bolivar courthouse. To this union, two sons were born, Marvin Leroy and Larry Lee. Cecil and Faye celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on October 19, 1998. He was many things in his lifetime: a dairy farmer, stockman, carpenter, electrician and all around handyman. But most of all, he was a good father, friend, neighbor and a wonderful "Poppy" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a faithful member, deacon and trustee of the Southern Hills Baptist Church of Bolivar. He was a member of the Senior Men's Sunday school class. He was baptized, along with his wife and children, in October 1956. He was preceded in death by his wife, Faye, of almost 61 years, who died September 23, 1999; his parents, Weaver and Della Wollard ; two sisters, Eunice Bell and Mary Fowler; a brother, Leland Wollard; and one son, Marvin Wollard. He is survived by one son, Larry Wollard, and his wife, Judy, of Bolivar; a daughter-in-law, Betty Wollard of Springfield; three grandchildren and their families, Scott Clark and his children, Trevor, Paige and Brandon of Englewood, Colo., Julie Wollard Trout and her husband, Brian, and son, Christian, of Bolivar and and Justin Wollard of Bolivar; four step-grandchildren; eleven step-great-grandchildren, including Michelle Long Windmoeller of Columbia and Christian "Cree" Long of Springfield; five step-great-great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Stanley Henson and his wife, Nora, of Nevada; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Jewell Wollard and Mrs. Thelma Fish, both of Bolivar, and Mrs. Emma Galyan and her husband, Leo "Pete" of Fillmore, Calif.; several nieces, nephews and a host of friends and other relatives. Services were held Saturday, April 8, in Southern Hills Baptist Church with the Rev. David Berryhill officiating. Musical selections were "Going Down the Valley, One by One," "One Day at a Time" and "The Old Rugged Cross," performed by Mary Jenkins and Tammie Kelley. Casketbearers were Gene Bolling, John Smashey, Oren Carson, Ron George, Mike Lenz, George McKinney, Gene Potts and Bysor Shelenhamer. Honorary casketbearers were the members of the Seniors Men's Sunday school class of Southern Hills, Everett Baumgarden, Berman Grant, Finis Hammons, Ralph Hankey, Earl Poston and Leonard Paxton. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Citizens Memorial Home Health Services-Hospice.
Willard "Red" Ankrom
Willard "Red" Ankrom, 77, formerly of Half Way, died at 9:20 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2000, in the Veterans Administration Hospital, Kansas City. He was a retired carpenter, a World War II veteran and a member of the Bolivar V.F.W. Post. Survivors include two daughters, Juanita Barham and Justine McLaughlin, both of Independence; three grandchildren, Waynetta Bracher of Anchorage, Alaska, Joey Barham of Springfield and Russell Payne of Harrisonville; and three great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, May 19, in Montgomery-Viets Chapel, Buffalo, with the Rev. Jim Bybee officiating. Burial will be in Schofield Cemetery south of Half Way. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time on Friday.
