Myron "Joe" Woodruff
Myron "Joe" Woodruff of Columbia died Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001. He was 76.
Mr. Woodruff was born June 16, 1925, to Harry and Ulva Orem Woodruff in Kokomo, Ind. During World War II he served in the Navy in the South Pacific Theater. He later married Margaret Archulta in Valdosta, Ga.
Mr. Woodruff attended the Missouri School of Religion and MU's Department of Rural Sociology. He was a minister with the Disciples of Christ Church in the central Missouri area and in Florida.
After returning to Columbia, he was also the owner of Tiger Insurance for about 20 years.
Mr. Woodruff enjoyed oil painting and watching his grandson A.J. Ricker play on the MU football team.
"He made it to every home game, with the exception of the Baylor game last Saturday," said Margaret Woodruff, Mr. Woodruff's wife.
Mr. Woodruff was involved in many organizations. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8463 in Cape Coral, Fla.; St. Graal Commandery No. 12, KT and Twilight Lodge No. 114 AF&AM in Columbia and Grand Chapter of Cryptic Mason of Missouri.
He was also the chaplain for the Cosmopolitan International Breakfast Meeting in Columbia and a past president of Columbia Life Underwriters, an insurance agents organization.
Mr. Woodruff was a very caring person, Margaret said. "He was a good father, a good grandfather and a very, very good husband."
Mr. Woodruff is survived by his wife; his daughter, Angela Kae Ricker and son-in-law Tom Ricker of Klein, Texas; and two grandsons, Aaron and A.J. Ricker.
His son, Kevin Woodruff, two brothers and a sister died earlier.
Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, conducted by the Rev. Mike Brown, will follow at 2 p.m. There will be a private burial service at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to the Cancer Research Center, 3501 Berrywood Drive, Columbia, Mo. 65201.
Clarice D. Piper
Clarice Dorine Piper died Monday, Nov. 12, 2001, at Boone Hospital Center. She was 84.
Mrs. Piper was born Sept. 2, 1917, to William Harrison and Cecil Violet Williams in Pleasanton, Iowa. There she graduated high school and met John A. Piper, whom she married on May 25, 1940, in Bethany, Mo. During World War II, the Pipers moved to Fort Smith, Ark., when her husband joined the Army. Mrs. Piper moved back to Iowa when he was sent overseas.
After the war, the Pipers had three children: Verna Lynn, Ronald Joseph and Stevan Ray. The family lived in Moberly and then moved to Columbia in 1952.
Mrs. Piper donated her time and passion for music to Columbia's Salvation Army Church, where she played the piano, taught Sunday school and participated in fund drives and the music program.
She played any instrument she could find, including piano, guitar and banjo. At age 5, she was already playing piano at church, and as an adult, she led "jam sessions" at her house with neighbors and friends.
In addition to music, Mrs. Piper also loved to play card games like Rook and would challenge anyone to a game of checkers. She had a knack for arranging, decorating and organizing and ran a "tight ship" at home.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home in Leon, Iowa. Services, conducted by the Rev. Terry Roberts, will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Davis City Cemetery in Davis City, Iowa.
Mrs. Piper is survived by her daughter, Verna Peterson; two sons, Ronald Piper of Columbia and Stevan Piper of Boonville; two grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
Her husband, a great-grandson, a sister and two brothers died earlier.
Reese Sappington
Reese M. Sappington of Hallsville died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2001, at Heritage Hall Nursing Center in Centralia. He was 91.
Mr. Sappington was a heavy-equipment operator, a cook and an avid reader.
"He worked hard all of his life and he played hard all of his life," his daughter Beverly Hargis of Hallsville said.
Mr. Sappington was born in Oklahoma on May 1, 1910 to Frank and Leila Martin Sappington. He was married three times, and two of his wives died earlier.
Mr. Sappington operated heavy equipment in the construction of roads and highways and was a member of the Engineer Operators Union Local 513. He worked on the construction of Interstate 70 and U.S. 63.
"He built highways all the way across Missouri, down in Oklahoma and in Kansas," Hargis said.
In his spare time, Mr. Sappington enjoyed cooking and reading.
"He liked to make pies and he liked to eat them," Hargis said. "And he read until his eyes got bad."
Mr. Sappington lived a pleasant, unselfish life, she said.
"He always had a smile," Hargis said. "He also liked to help people... He'd always loan you money."
Services were held Thursday at Heritage Hall Nursing Center in Centralia.
Mr. Sappington is survived by two sons, William Sappington of Hermann and Donnie Sappington of Buffalo, Mo.; three daughters, Patricia Rector and Beverly Hargis of Hallsville and Betty Hirsch of Mexico, Mo.; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; five great- great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
Two wives and a grandson died earlier.
Opal Mae Benson
Opal Mae Benson of Fayette died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2001 at her home. She was 90.
Mrs. Benson was born June 21, 1911, to Arthur and Roberta Barnett in Howard County. She was a faithful member and "mother" of Mt. Woodland AME Church in Hillsdale. Mrs. Benson also enjoyed making quilts and was a member of the OATS Program.
Mrs. Benson is survived by her husband, Estill Benson; one daughter, Martha King of Calif.; one brother-in-law, Orville McKee of Des Moines, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Mary Ann Barnett of Fayette; one godchild, Helen Fisher of New Franklin; five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
A son and 11 brothers and sisters died earlier.
Visitation will be Friday at the H.T. May & Son Funeral Home in Fayette from 5 to 8 p.m. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Woodland AME Church in Hillsdale by the Rev. Steven Lampkin. Burial will be at Mt. Woodland Cemetery in Hillsdale.
Thelma E. Black
Thelma Elizabeth Black of Columbia died Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001. She was 82.
Mrs. Black worked for JC. Penney for more than 30 years and for Novus Shoppe, a downtown shoe store that is now closed, for 15 years.
"She was a real good mom and would do just about anything for anybody," said Ronald D. Black of Columbia, Mrs. Black's son. "She just wanted to live as long as she could for her grandson."
Mrs. Black was a dedicated mother and grandmother who was devoted to bringing up her grandson, he said.
"She was a real nice lady and took great care of me," said Dalton B. Black of Columbia, Mrs. Black's grandson. "She helped raise me."
Mrs. Black was born Sept. 19, 1919, in Boone County to Clyde and Rachel Putnam Hopper. She married James A. Black on Nov. 20, 1938, in Boone County.
Visitation for Mrs. Black will be from 1 to 2 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, conducted by the Rev. Jim Smith, will follow at 2 p.m.
Mrs. Black is survived by her son and grandson.
Her husband; her daughter, Shirley Black; and two sisters, Velma Shock and Betty Gruenkemeyer, died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the American Diabetes Association, 1316 Parkade Blvd., Columbia, Mo. 65202.
Jonny E. Washington
Jonny E. Washington of Columbia died Monday, Nov. 12, 2001, at his home. He was 60.
Mr. Washington was born Nov. 18, 1940, in Columbia to Tilford and Dorothy Bass Washington.
He later married Linda Washington. A graduate of Douglass High School, Mr. Washington worked at MU for 30 years and retired in 1995.
He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Columbia and of the Kingsman Club.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Warren Funeral Chapel, 12 E. Ash St. Services, conducted by the Rev. Carolus Taylor, will be at 1 p.m. on Friday at Friendship Baptist Church, 1410 Grand Ave. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mr. Washington is survived by his wife; one daughter, Lisa M. Smith of Columbia; two sons, Robert L. and Marvin L. Smith, both of Columbia; one sister, Mary A. Williams of Kansas City; three brothers, Cecil D. Washington and Tilford Washington Jr., both of Kansas City, and Robert Washington of Denver, Colo.; three grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
One brother, two sisters, and one granddaughter died earlier.
Marvin Griffin
Marvin Griffin of Columbia died Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001, at Truman Veterans Hospital. He was 88.
Mr. Griffin was born Oct. 4, 1913, in Columbia to John Luther and Mary Nicy Cornelious Griffin. He was an active member of American Legion post #202 and worked as a laborer.
Services, conducted by the Rev. John Baker, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mr. Griffin is survived by his wife, Lucille Griffin and his sister, Ruby Alvis both of Columbia.
His sister and three brothers died earlier.
Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, 33 E. Broadway, Suite 100, Columbia, Mo. 65203, or the American Lung Association, 1118 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63139-3196.
Sherry Jean Marthers
Sherry Jean Marthers of Holts Summit died Monday, Nov. 12, 2001, at her home. She was 40.
Mrs. Marthers was born Oct. 14, 1961, in Columbia to Ronald Palmer and Fay Richardson Palmer. On June 30, 2001, she married Rob Marthers in Jefferson City.
Her brother Dennis Palmer of Owasso, Okla., said Mrs. Marthers had an interest in art and sketching, and that she was a member of the Show-Me-State Cloggers. She was also a member of Western Hills Assembly of God Church in Jefferson City.
Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Road. Services will be held Friday at 11 a.m., also at Nilson Funeral Home.
Mrs. Marthers is survived by her husband, Rob Marthers of Holts Summit; her parents, Ronald and Fay Palmer of Columbia; three sisters, Kelly Heimericks of Fulton, Donna Carter of Columbia and Tammy Schneider of Indianapolis; two brothers, Terry Palmer of Columbia and Dennis Palmer of Owasso; her maternal grandmother, Ibbie Richardson of Columbia; her paternal grandmother, Nellie Palmer of Columbia; and 13 nieces and nephews.
Jacqueline Sue Baugh
Jacqueline Sue Baugh of Columbia died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2001 at her home. She was 65.
Mrs. Baugh was born Aug. 21, 1936, in Columbia, to Robert and Pearl Martin Snodgrass. On Jan. 28, 1956, she married James "Burt" Baugh in Thomas Hill, Mo.
Mrs. Baugh worked for MU for several years and later worked for a department store before retiring. During her retirement, she collected Beanie Babies.
She was a member of the American Business Women's Association for which she was a past president. She was named Woman of the Year and Boss of the Year in two different years.
Mrs. Baugh was a member of North Park Baptist in Moberly.
Visitation for Mrs. Baugh will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, conducted by Rev. Oliver Langmade, will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.
Mrs. Baugh is survived by her mother and father, Robert and Pearl Snodgrass of Columbia; her husband, Burt Baugh of Columbia; two sons, Stephen Baugh and Gary Baugh, both of Columbia; one daughter, Lou Ann Baugh of Columbia; two sisters, Judy Davis and Lou Hathman, both of Columbia; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to the American Diabetes Assoc., 1316 Parkade Blvd., Columbia, Mo. 65202.
Mary Lucretia Wine
Mary Lucretia Wine of Columbia died Friday, Nov. 9, 2001, at Boone Hospital Center. She was 79.
Mrs. Wine married Robert I. Wine on Aug. 24, 1942, in Alexandria, Va. She graduated from beauty school and was later employed at American Press as a Film Assembly Technician.
Visitation for Mrs. Wine will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 2217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, conducted by the Rev. Eddie Randolph, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Mrs. Wine will be buried in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mrs. Wine is survived by her grandson, Ivan B. Wine of St. Louis.
Her husband; one son, Robert Bruce Wine; and one brother died earlier.
Rula Belle Hatley
Rula Belle Hatley, formerly of Columbia, died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2001 at St. Mary's Manor in Blue Springs. She was 94.
Mrs. Hatley was born Sept. 10, 1907, on a farm near Commerce, Texas to John and Emma Lucrecia Evans. She later married R.V. Hatley. They were married for 34 years. She enjoyed cooking, embroidering, and tatting.
Mrs. Hatley was an active member of the Tenth Avenue Methodist Church in Amarillo, Texas before she moved to Columbia in 1990 and became a resident at St. Mary's Manor in 1995.
Services for Mrs. Hatley will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Webb-Freer Funeral Home in Blue Springs. A graveside service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Amarillo, Texas.
Mrs. Hatley is survived by a son, Richard Von Hatley of Blue Springs; two granddaughters, Christine L. Hatley Johnson of Columbia, and Angela K. Garms of Prairie Village, Kan.; a daughter-in-law, Patricia R. Hatley; two step-grandsons, Tim and Kent Wilde; step-great granddaughter Michaela Wilde; and former daughter-in-law Lutine Hatley.
Her husband died earlier.
The family requests no flowers be sent, but contributions may be sent to Blue Springs St. Mary's Manor, the St. Mary's Hospital Foundation emergency room expansion project, the Carondelet Hospice, the Tenth Avenue United Methodist Church in Amarillo, Texas, or any not-for-profit serving Alzheimer patients and their families.
Mildred Faye Byrd
Mildred Faye Byrd of Monroe City died Friday, Nov. 9, 2001, at the Williamsburg Nursing Home. She was 88.
Mrs. Byrd was born Nov. 28, 1912, in Ralls County to Jesse Austin and Floy Saylors Mull Roland. She graduated from high school in Monroe in 1930 and attended Lenox College in Hopkinton, Iowa. She received her bachelor's degree from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College.
She married Eugene Williamson Byrd on Dec. 26, 1942, in Hannibal. He died earlier.
For many years, she and her husband farmed in Warren County. While living there, she became a member of the Andrew Chapel Methodist Church. When Mrs. Byrd moved to Monroe City, she joined the United Methodist Church.
After teaching in the Spalding, Ralls and Hannibal school systems, Mrs. Byrd taught fifth grade at Monroe City Elementary School for 31 years. She then joined the Missouri Retired Teachers Association.
Visitation was held Saturday at Garner Funeral Home in Monroe City. Services, conducted by the Rev. Peggy Jeffries, will be held at 2 p.m. today at United Methodist Church in Monroe City. Burial will follow at Andrew Chapel Cemetery in Monroe City.
Mrs. Byrd is survived by her daughter, Regena Michalson of Columbia; two brothers, Earl Roland of Springfield, Ill., and Hugh Roland of Monroe City; one sister, Janann Hedberg of Centralia; two grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Two sisters and two brothers, died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Andrew Chapel Cemetery Association of Marion County, c/o Garner Funeral Home, P.O. Box 127, Monroe City, Mo. 63456.
Hazel F. Moreau
Hazel Frances Moreau of Columbia died Friday, Nov. 9, 2001, at her home. She was 94.
"She lived a very wonderful life," said her son-in-law, George Ahrens of Columbia.
Mrs. Moreau was born on Aug. 14, 1907, in Harrisburg to Frank S. and Stella W. Wood Blakemore. Mrs. Moreau married Wallace Moreau in Columbia on Aug. 14, 1938.
After attending Central College in Fayette, Mrs. Moreau earned a bachelor's degree in education at MU. Following some art education graduate work at MU, Mrs. Moreau began her career as an art instructor. She was an art teacher and coordinator for Hickman High School, Oakland Junior High, West Junior High and Jefferson Junior High schools.
Mrs. Moreau was a deaconess and then an elder at First Christian Church and president of the Christian Women's Fellowship at the church.
She was also a member of Fidelis Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international teachers' honor society; Pi Lambda Theta; the Bess Miller Circle of King's Daughters; and the Retired Teachers Association of Boone County.
Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, officiated by the Rev. John Yonker, will be at 2 p.m. Monday at First Christian Church, 101 N. Tenth St. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mrs. Moreau is survived by her daughter, Kay Ahrens of Columbia, and two grandsons, Wallace V. Ahrens of Columbia and Justin V. Ahrens of Dyass Air Force Base, Texas.
Mrs. Moreau's husband; a son; a brother; and a sister died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to First Christian Church, 101 N. Tenth St., Columbia, Mo. 65201.
Donald W. Stewart
Donald W. Stewart of Columbia died Monday, Nov. 5, 2001. He was 57.
Mr. Stewart was born March 30, 1944, in Caraway, Ark., to Alige "Sunny" and Jane Rutledge Stewart. In 1985, he married Rosie Martin.
Services were Friday.
Mr. Stewart is survived by his mother, Jane Stewart of Caraway; three sons, Keith Stewart, Bruce Stewart and Gary Kurtis Stewart, all of Illinois; a daughter, Lisa Grady of Arizona; a stepson, Carl Smith of Columbia; two stepdaughters, Debbie Lowry of Columbia and Patty McCullan of Arizona; three brothers, Ronald Stewart, Terry Lynn Stewart and Dale Stewart, all of Arkansas; three sisters, Joyce Lamb and Gail Phillips, both of Arkansas, and Rosetta Montgomery of Arizona; four grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.
His father and a brother died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 33 E. Broadway, Suite 100, Columbia, Mo. 65201.
John D. Zumwalt
John D. Zumwalt of Ashland died Friday, Nov. 9, 2001, at Ashland Health Care. He was 85.
Mr. Zumwalt was born Dec. 27, 1915, in Callaway County to Church and Vergie Zumwalt. He married Beulah Melloway on Dec. 17, 1970. Mr. Zumwalt was a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Hartsburg. He was a farmer.
Mr. Zumwalt is survived by his wife; one brother, Carl Zumwalt of Peoria, Ariz.; and one sister, Bessie Foster of Jefferson City.
One brother and one sister died earlier.
Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. today at Robinson Funeral Home, 601 N. Henry Clay Blvd., in Ashland. Services, conducted by the Rev. Wallace Johnson, will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be at the New Salem Cemetery in Ashland.
