KEWPIE MEMORIAL PAGE
KEWPIES' FAMILY MEMORIAL PAGE
With Sympathy
Class of 1963 Memorial - Class of 1967 Memorial - Class of 1970 Memorial - Class of 1986 Memorial
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Courtesy of Charley Blackmore, Kewpie Classmates Association
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charley@kewpie.net
or call: 573-808-5314
CHARLEY
BLACKMORE
2312 DEER
CREEK CT
COLUMBIA
MO 65201-3564
Those we
love truly never die
Though
year by year the sad memorial wreath--
A ring
and flowers, types of life and death--
Are laid
upon their graves.
Well blessed
is she who has a dear one dead
A friend
she has whose face will never change,
A dear
communion that will not grow strange.
The anchor
of a life is death.
There is
no death, nor change, nor any ending.
Only a
journey, and so many go
That we
who stay at length discern the blending
Of the
two roads, two breaths, two lives, and so
Come to
the high and quiet knowledge that the dead
Are but
ourselves, made beautiful instead.
From,
"Readings on the Philosophy of Death"
Author
Unknown, from "Poetry For Verse Speaking Choir"
Arranged
by, Helen D. Williams
OBITUARIES COURTESY OF "THE COLUMBIA DAILY TRIBUNE"
Patricia “Patt” Ellen (Rippeto) Pafford, Class of 1957, died Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Boone Hospital Center, in Columbia.
David McBride, Class of 1964, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Kenneth Paul Jones, Class of 1949, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Robert Wesley Dittmer, Class of 1955, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2024 at the University Hospital, in Columiba.
Edward Lee "Eddie" Sachs, Class of 1965, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024, at his home in Ashland, Missouri.
Dorothy “Dottie” Elizabeth Davenport Golson, Class of 1941, passed away Wednesday, April 10th at Harmony Gardens in Warrensburg, Missouri.
Bruce Frederick Smith, Class of 1973, passed away Monday, April 8, 2024, in Columbia, Missouri.
Marla Vee (Green) Felder, Class of 1978, died Sunday, April 7, 2024 in McAlester, Oklahoma.
Mr. Thomas C.C. Simmons, Class of 1967, passed away Saturday, April 6, 2024 in Texas. *See Memorial from Larre Johnson
Robert “Bob” Wayne Hendren, Class of 1963, passed away Friday, March 29, 2024.
Larry Wayne Crane, Class of 1959, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024.
Erin Elizabeth Frazier, Class of 1998, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Boone Hospital.
Uniqua Nicole Simmons, Class of 2015, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Columbia.
Robert Kenneth Pugh, Class of 1958, died Monday, March 18, 2024 in Columbia.
Anita Alfred Neer, Class of 1951, passed away Monday, March 18, 2024.
James Rummel Erickson, Class of 1973, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Boone Hospital Center.
Claudia Joan McFarland McNeely, Class of 1970, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Julie Ann Andrews, Class of 1983, passed away Friday, March 8, 2024 at home in Columbia.
Sally J. Ryan, Class of 1969, passed away in Grand Junction, Colorado Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Dennis James “Denny” Kunze, Class of 1973, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at his home in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Cynthia Elaine "Cyndy" Harrison-Smith Campbell, Class of 1970, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at her home in Ashland, Missouri.
Neil Throckmorton, Class of 1970, passed away on March 4, 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Barbara Jean (Carver) Valentine, Class of 1952, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024.
Helen Delores Brown Canole, Class of 1941, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
Ruby A. Tiffany Williams, Class of 1960, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024, at her home in Columbia.
Peggy Lou Turner Marrero, Class of 1961, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024.
Brian Paul Kemp, Class of 1982, passed away Monday, February 19, 2024 at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.
Robert Lee "Bob" Grant, Class of 1951, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
Billy Dale Turner “Bear”, Class of 1977, passed away February 17, 2024 at the University Hospital in Columbia Missouri.
Judy Faye Rybolt, Class of 1964, passed away Friday, February 16th, 2024, at Boone Health in Columbia, Missouri.
William “Dennis” Thurman, Class of 1960, passed away in Cary, North Carolina, Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
Sandra (Kay) Moreau Ahrens, Class of 1959, passed away Monday, February 12, 2024 at Lenoir Woods in Columbia.
Pamela (Pam) Ann Rice Acton, Class of 1983, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024 in Columbia, Missouri.
William Donald "Gilp" Gilpin, Class of 1952, passed away Monday, February 5, 2024.
Gloria McBaine Renfro, Class of 1958, passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
Eseosa Aghedo, Class of 2006, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at her home in Columbia.
Richard Jordan, Class of 1984, passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024 in Columbia.
Christina Vaughan Mayfield, Class of 2010, passed away Friday, February 2, 2024.
Andrew (Andy) Ruffolo, Class of 1984, passed away at his home in Hernando Beach, Florida, Thursday, February 1, 2024.
Phyllis Faye Dunbar Parmer, Class of 1949, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Columbia Post Acute.
Charles DeVore, Class of 1962, passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2024.
James Arthur Akers Jr., Class of 1977, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024.
Mary Alice (McCluskey) Simon, Class of 1945, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Dorothy Ann Ballenger, Class of 1955, passed away Saturday, January 20, 2024 in Annandale, Virginia.
Reid Haskell Pickard, Class of 1976, died at his home in Overland Park, Kansas, Tuesday, January 16th, 2024.
Shirley Sue Sapp Harrison, Class of 1953, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
Joan J. “Jody” Johnson Ausmus, Class of 1956, passed away Monday, January 8, 2024, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.
James (Jay) Savage Spangler III, Class of 1963, passed away in his home in Ballwin, Missouri, Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
Denise Ruth Smith Backus, Class of 1978, passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024 at her home in Columbia.
Submitted by, Parker-Millard
Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203
Denise Ruth
Backus, 64, of Columbia passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024 at her
home. She was born October 1, 1959 in Columbia, the daughter of the late
Everett and Deana (Semon) Smith.
Denise was a member of the
Bethany Baptist Church and was a Hickman High School Graduate Class of
1978.
Survivors include her children: Jessica Laguna Guzman and
Jeremy Backus both of Columbia; two grandsons: Juan Sebastien Garcia
Hernandez and Jaxon Backus; siblings: Robin(Curtis) Scruggs of Columbia
and Kevin (Frances) Smith of Centralia and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Everett and Deana Smith,
Sister: Joyce Leaton and both sets of grandparents.
A celebration
of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the
direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash
Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left
online for the family at
www.parkermillard.com.
Submitted
by,SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at
Holloway, Ballwin MO
James (Jay) Savage
Spangler III, aged 78, of St Louis County, passed away in his home on
January 3, 2024. Born in Kansas City, MO on March 4, 1945, Jay is
survived by his loving wife Patricia (nee Schmidt), sons James Spangler
IV (Jeannie) and Tom Spangler (Melissa), cherished granddaughter Morgan,
as well as his brothers Klein Spangler (Pam) and Danny Spangler (Marty),
and his many friends and family. Jay was preceded in death by his
mother, Mary Sue Tull (Hamlin) and father, James S Spangler II (Billie
Mae).
Jay was a 1963 graduate of Hickman High School in Columbia,
MO and recently attended his 60th high school reunion. His early love of
sports would inspire his lifelong passion for collegiate football, as an
avid fan of the Mizzou Tigers. Jay was also a member of the Clinton,
Missouri Elks Lodge #1034. Having been employed in the railroad industry
for 33 years, Jay retired in 2000 from Norfolk Southern as a National
Account Manager. During his time with Norfolk Southern, Jay served
multiple terms as the President of the St Louis Rail Sales organization,
and also served on many Transportation Club boards. Jay and Pat lived in
several cities during Jay’s time with the railroad, including Kansas
City, Cleveland, Decatur, and New Orleans, before settling in St Louis.
Of the many cities they lived in, Jay and Pat have always had very fond
memories of their time in New Orleans. Jay served as a Krewe member with
the Krewe of Centurions for several Mardi Gras seasons. He was installed
as King Centurion XXXIV for the 2013 Mardi Gras season, and regally
presided over that year’s Mardi Gras festivities. Having married the
love of his life in 1972, Jay and Pat celebrated 50 years of marriage in
September 2022. During his free time, Jay enjoyed catching the latest
Mizzou game, watching John Wayne westerns, pursuing his interest in
numismatics, hunting on the family farm, and recounting stories from
various travels, adventures, and treasured time with loved ones.
All hail King Centurion XXXIV, James Savage Spangler III.
Services: Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960
Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Friday, January 12, from 1:30 p.m.
until time of service at 2:30 p.m. Interment private. In lieu of
flowers, contributions may be made to Charley Blackmore's Class of '63
Scholarship, Community Foundation of Central Missouri, P.O. BOX 6015,
Columbia, MO 65205-6015. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook
at Schrader.com.
Submitted by,
Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home, 104 S Collier St, Centralia MO 65240
Joan "Jody" Ausmus
November 16, 1938 - January 8, 2024
Joan J. “Jody”
Ausmus, 85 of Centralia passed away Monday, January 8, 2024, at Boone
Hospital Center in Columbia.
Family and friends are invited to
Jody's Life Celebration 11:00 AM Saturday, January 13, 2024, at
Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home in Centralia, with burial to follow in the
Centralia City Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM
until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home.
Jody was born on November 16, 1938, in Columbia, the daughter of Wilson
Spencer and Maxine (Merideth) Johnson.
On August 16, 1959, Jody
married James T. Ausmus, and he survives of the home.
Along with
her husband, Jody is survived by her children, James T. Ausmus II
(Sarah), Jeffrey K. Ausmus (Julie), Joseph Andrew Ausmus (Christy);
grandchildren, Janeka Ausmus, Brittany Ann Heater, Jeffrey Kingsland
Ausmus II, Lindsey Brooke Ausmus, Adam Reginald Ausmus, Alexander Kost
Ausmus, Andrew Peter James Ausmus; great-grandchildren, Mikyan Ehnert,
Avery Joann Wood, Benton Lee Palmer, Levi Kingsland Ausmus, Charlotte
Stocks Ausmus, Chase Alan Heater; brother, Larre Dean Johnson.
Jody was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, William Eugene
“Butch” Johnson.
She was a 1956 graduate of Hickman High School,
then attended Stephens College and the University of Missouri-Columbia,
graduating with a degree in Education.
Jody was a schoolteacher
for a few years before raising her family, then she worked as the legal
secretary for Ausmus, Ausmus & Beck Law Firm for many years.
She
was a member of the PEO, a Past President of the Panther Boosters. Jody
loved attending her sons’ sporting events, never missing a single event.
She also served as an official score keeper for the Centralia Little
League, Mexico Legion Baseball and the Centralia Ban Johnson Baseball
Team.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Centralia United
Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral
Home, 104 S. Collier St. Centralia, MO 65240.
Submitted by, Parker-Millard Funeral Service &
Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203
Shirley Sue Sapp
Harrison was born on July 9, 1936 in Boone County to John Harvey Sapp
and Loretta Calvin Sapp. She graduated from Hickman High School in 1953
at the age of 16 and immediately went to work for the Boone County
Welfare Office, where she worked for 35 years. After her retirement in
1991 her and her husband, Glenn, opened and operated Glenn’s Pools and
Spas until 1999. After that she worked part-time at the Boone County
Collector’s office during the tax season for 10 years.
Shirley
married W.E. Knowles on April 2, 1955 and two children were born to
them, Cindy and Rhonda Knowles. They later divorced.
She married
Glenn Harrison on March 8, 1980. Survivors are her husband Glenn,
daughter Cindy Knowles-Blakemore of Columbia. Survivors also include
five grand-children, Cory (Jina) Blakemore, of Harrisburg, Branden
Bryant, of Columbia, Brittney (Darin) Jones, of Columbia, Angie Buholt,
of Columbia, and Randi-Jo Bryant, of Columbia. Survivors also include 7
great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her mother Loretta
Holt, daughter, Rhonda Knowles, and brother Kenneth Sapp.
Visitation will be at 11:00am with funeral service to follow at 12:00pm
on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Parker-Millard Funeral Service and
burial at Memorial Park Cemetery immediately after.
Arrangements
are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory,
12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may
be left online for the family at
www.parkermillard.com.
Posted
online on January 26, 2024
Reid Haskell
Pickard was born on September 18, 1958, to Erica Carlan Pickard and Dr.
Clarence Mott Pickard at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. He died
unexpectedly at his home in Overland Park, Kansas on January 16th, 2024
from complications of cancer. His parents both predeceased him, as well
as his sister, Lydia (Pickard) Schoene.
He is survived by two
brothers, Carlan Brent Pickard of Columbia, and Emmett Blair Pickard,
also of Columbia.
He attended University Lab School from
Kindergarten through the 6th grade, then attended Columbia Public
Schools until he graduated from Hickman High School in 1976. After High
School, he attended the University of Missouri at Columbia and the
University of Kansas at Lawrence, where he studied Art, Design and
Music. He was a talented artist, and applied his creative energies to
everything from home improvement projects to interior design and
landscaping, as well as woodworking, oil painting and drawing.
In
his working life, he spent many years in the grocery business as a Meat
Cutter, and also worked in the wholesale meat business as an Account
Manager. He worked for several years in building maintenance at
Honeywell Corporation in Kansas City, and his most recent position was
Building Maintenance Supervisor for U.S. Engineering Corporation, where
his keen eye, attention to detail, and caring attitude served him well.
He will be remembered by those who knew and loved him as someone who
never settled for anything less than what he considered to be the best.
A memorial service will be held in Columbia, Missouri at a later
date.
Submitted by, RHODES FUNERAL HOME, Feb 6,
2024 
Dorothy
Ann Ballenger, age 86, of Annandale, Virginia, passed away Saturday,
January 20, 2024.
Dorothy was born on October 12, 1937, to Joe
and Ouida (Dudley) Ballenger in Columbia, Missouri.
Dorothy is
survived by, Karen Lee and Tommy of Columbia, Missouri; Joe Ballenger
and Betty of Columbia, Missouri; and Don Ballenger and Ingrid of Bozman,
Montana; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in
death by her parents and husband.
Graveside service will be at
11:00 am. Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Memorial Park Cemetery,
Columbia, Missouri.
Arrangements are under the direction of
Rhodes Funeral Home, Brookfield, Missouri.
Posted online on January
26, 2024
MARY ALICE (MCCLUSKEY) SIMON
OCTOBER 6,
1927 - JANUARY 23, 2024
On January 23, 2024, the music stopped
playing as Mary Alice (McCluskey) Simon of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida,
took her final breath. A talented musician, she was in the company of
family and dear friends listening and playing music in her last days.
Born October 6, 1927, at Boone County Hospital in Columbia,
Missouri, Mary Alice was the youngest of 3 children of the late Willis
Claybourne McCluskey and Mary Borth McCluskey. She joined brother W.C.
"Buddy" McCluskey and sister Margaret McCluskey. She attended Hickman
High School where she met her husband, Robert J. Simon. She attended
Christian College (now Columbia College) and the University of Missouri
where she graduated with a degree in music. She was married on December
26, 1949, and moved to St. Louis, Missouri where she raised her family.
She and her husband traveled and lived internationally in both Brussels,
Belgium and Tokyo, Japan.
In addition to her parents and
siblings, Mary Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; son,
Tom; and several members of the McCluskey and Simon families. She is
survived by her daughters Margy Simon Darneille (Wally) and Jayne Simon
Hillner (Steven Wood); son Jay Simon (Lisa); grandchildren, Jason
Darneille (Anne), Meredith Darneille Camp (Bill), Jennifer Darneille
Mancuso, Marshall Darneille, Trevor Hillner-Ludlow, Courtney
Hillner-Ludlow, Whitney Simon Rowland (Matt), Jackson Simon, Chelsea
Simon Jacobs (Darren); great grandchildren, Kayden Massih & Mary
Margaret Darneille; Marshall, Robert, Allison & William Camp; Liam &
Anna Catherine Mancuso; Levi & Wyatt Rowland; Walker Jacobs; sister in
law Marianne Simon, Kim Simon and many loved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give special thanks to Carole Battle Hoover for
her love, friendship, and care of Mary Alice for the past two years. She
brought such joy to not only Mary Alice but the entire Simon family. A
Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. In memory of Mary
Alice, please donate to the charity of your choice and/or listen to your
favorite song.
Posted online on January
30, 2024
James
Arthur Akers Jr., 64, ascended to his heavenly home on Thursday, January
25, 2024.
James "Jimmy" or "Jim" was born in Grants Pass, Oregon
June 15, 1959, to James Arthur Akers Sr. and Shirley L May Akers Heath.
Both have preceded him in death.
Jimmy spent his early childhood
in Simi Valley, California and Cape Girardeau, Missouri before his
family relocated to Columbia, Missouri, where he remained the rest of
his life. He attended Hickman High School. As a teen he worked at
Nickerson Farms Restaurant. He was later employed by State Farm, Plaza
Tire Service, Columbia Public Schools and Hendren Salvage.
Jimmy
was an avid car enthusiast. He took great pride in his knowledge of auto
mechanics and car building. That enthusiasm carried over to a hobby of
model car kit building. Jimmy was a great animal lover his whole life.
He is remembered to always have a faithful dog by his side.
Jimmy
is survived by four daughters: Trisha Thurman of Columbia, Monica Akers
(Wayne) of Ashland, Jesica Akers of Columbia and Jaynee Akers (Josh) of
Harrisburg; three grandchildren Makayla Himmel, Braxton Harrison,
Dominik Bratcher; one brother Terry Heath (Marty) of Ashland; one sister
Jeanita Harrison (Tony) of Mexico, MO; one nephew Jeffery Heath
(Lawanna) of Columbia; three nieces: Kimbra Furlong, Amberly Furlong
(Sean) both of Mexico, MO and Heather Patton (John) of Ashland, MO;
three half-sisters: Marilyn Akers of Arkadelphia, AR, Carolyn Akers of
Alpaugh, CA, and Donna Akers-Williams of Hanford, CA; and stepfather
Melvin Heath.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday,
February 2, 2024, at the American Legion Hall in Ashland, Missouri from
4-6 PM.
Posted online on February 01,
2024
Charles
DeVore, 79, of Columbia, MO passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2024.
Visitation will be 10-11am, Saturday, February 3rd at Memorial Funeral
Home 1217 Business Loop 70 West Columbia, MO. Funeral Service will begin
at 11am, followed by burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Charlie
was a life-long Boone County resident; he was born February 10, 1944 in
Columbia to James L. and Emma Mae Murray DeVore. In 1962, he graduated
from Hickman High School, and went on to earn his Bachelor’s and
Master’s degrees from MU. He married Bonita Anne Russell at the Missouri
United Methodist Church on April 30, 1964 in Columbia. His teaching
career began in 1970 at Fort Zumwalt High School in O’Fallon, MO. The
following year, he taught Distributive Education at the Vocational
School in Waynesville, MO. In 1972, he returned to Columbia to teach
marketing at Hickman High School. He took his D.E.C.A. students to many
national contests over the years. In his earlier years, he was an avid
hunter and fisherman. After he and Anne retired in 2002, he enjoyed
taking care of his yard and feeding the backyard birds. He also enjoyed
following the Cardinals, the Chiefs, and MIZZOU Athletics. He especially
delighted in spending time with his grandchildren.
Charles is
survived by his wife, Anne DeVore; sons, Michael (Jennifer) DeVore of
Troy, VA and James (Amy) DeVore of Valley Park, MO; grandchildren,
Hannah, Nathan, Miriam, Cameron, & Morgan DeVore; sisters, Wilma Jean
(Larry) Baker of Columbia and Paula (Darren) Evans of Sturgeon; and
several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and
a sister; Cynthia Ann Roberts.
Memorial contributions may be made
to the Missouri Retired Teachers Association 3030 Dupont Circle,
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Condolences and fond memories may be
shared at
www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.
Submitted by, Parker-Millard Funeral Service
& Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203
Phyllis Faye
Parmer, age 91, of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024,
at Columbia Post Acute. She was born in Columbia, Missouri on August 3,
1932, the daughter of Perry and Ruth (Ligon) Dunbar.
Phyllis
graduated from Hickman High School. She was wed to Ronald Parmer who
preceded her in death.
She did clerical work her entire career
working for a few optical offices and for the Water District for many
years.
Phyllis loved sports, especially the Cardinals. You could
find her watching ballgames, Yellowstone, NCIS or Gunsmoke. Her other
favorite pastime was listening to country music, especially Waylon
Jennings, whom she referred to as her “boyfriend”. She also enjoyed
spending time with friends and family.
She is survived by her
daughter Debbie Morris (Elisa Sims) of Columbia; sister-in-law June
Gibson of Columbia; nephews: Tim Warden of Tucson, AZ, Joe Warden of
Virginia, Brandon Gibson of Columbia; close family friends: Richard and
Leann Mackley of Columbia; and other friends and relatives. She was
preceded in death by her parents: Perry John Dunbar and Ruth Leaona
(Ligon) Dunbar; her husband Ronald Parmer; her sister Oneida Warden; his
brothers: Johnny Dunbar, R.J. Dunbar, and John Gibson.
Friends
and family will be received from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday,
February 5, 2024, at Parker-Millard Funeral Service, with a funeral
service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Memorial Park
Cemetery.
Memorials in her honor may be made to The Central
Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, Missouri 65202
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral
Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573)
449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at
www.millardfamilychapels.com.
Posted online on February 08, 2024
Andrew (Andy)
Ruffolo passed away peacefully at his home in Hernando Beach, Florida,
on February 1, 2024. Andy was a Columbia native, who graduated from
Hickman High School (1984) and the University of Missouri (1988). He was
a Chiefs fanatic, and will be remembered for his generosity, his love of
entertaining family and friends, and his pride in his children's
accomplishments.
Andy is survived by his wife, Kirstie (nee
Hook); his 3 children: Alexis Ruffolo (Ash Sampath), Jeffrey Ruffolo,
and Zachary Ruffolo; his brother, Christopher Mick; his 3 stepchildren:
Andrew (Kenzie) Bennett, Stephanie Bennett, and Ryan Calcutt; 3
step-grandchildren; his beloved dog, Lily; and too many extended family
members and friends to count.
Submitted by, Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash
Street, Columbia, MO 65203
Christina
Mayfield, age 32, of Columbia, Missouri passed away on February 2, 2024.
She was born on July 31, 1991 in Columbia, Missouri; a daughter of
Brenda Proctor and Ronald "Chris" Vaughan. She was united in marriage to
Matthew Mayfield in March of 2016.
She attended Hickman High
School in Columbia, Missouri and continued her education at John Wood
Community College where she completed an associates degree in medical
technology. Christina worked as a Certified Medical Technician for the
University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics for over 2 years. During her
time at the University of Missouri she floated to many different clinics
and impacted the lives of numerous people. Recently, she began working
as a CMT for Boone Medical Group.
She loved being outdoors, where
she enjoyed fishing, camping and riding motorcycles. She also loved
spending time at her Meme and Papa's house for weenie roasts. She was
the best "mama bear" and loved her children more than anything in the
world.
Christina was known and loved for her kindness and
generosity toward all people and animals. She was the light in so many
lives, even 5 minutes with her could brighten any day. She will be
greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Christina is
survived by husband, Matt Mayfield of Columbia, Missouri; children,
Isabella, age 12 and Jaxson, age 6, both of Columbia, Missouri; mother,
Brenda Proctor of Hallsville, Missouri; father, Ronald "Chris" (Becky)
Vaughan of Hallsville, Missouri; brothers, Brandon (Breanna) Vaughan,
Joe Knox and Andrew Dodd; sisters, Morgan (James) Dixon, Kaitlyn Fisher
and Shannen Fisher; maternal grandparents, Meme and Papa (Lou and
Estill) Proctor; paternal grandparents, Granny and Pa (Gene and Sue)
Vaughan; uncle, Thomas (Corri) Proctor; mother-in-law, Teresa (Donnie
Barnes) Mixer; brothers-in-law, Chris (Michael) Mayfield, Kaleb (Payton)
Reinold and Noah Reinold; sister-in-law, Macenzie (Andrea) Mayfield; as
well as many more aunts, uncles and cousins. Christina was preceded by
Brenda's significant other, Mike Knox.
A Celebration of Life for
friends and family will be held at a future date. Check back for service
details.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to Matt Mayfield for
future needs and education for Isabella and Jaxson.
Arrangements
are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory,
12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may
be left online for the family at www.parkermillard.com.
Submitted by, Parker-Millard Funeral
Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203
Richard Jordan,
age 57, of Columbia, MO, passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024.
A full obituary will be posted soon.
Arrangements are under the
direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash
Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153.
Condolences may be left
online for the family at www.parkermillard.com.
Submitted by, H.T. May & Sons Funeral
Home, 405 Sycamore, Boonville MO 65233
Eseosa Aghedo,
36, of Columbia, MO, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at her
home. Services will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 1:00 PM at
St. Luke United Methodist Church in Columbia. Visitation will be held
from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Saturday at the church.
Eseosa Victoria
Aghedo, a pillar of strength, love, and vibrant spirit, passed away
peacefully on February 3rd, 2024 at the age of 36. Born on December
13th, 1987, in Columbia, Missouri, her life touched countless others,
leaving an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.
Sosa, as she
was affectionately called, was a devoted mother to her two children,
Alexis Coleman and Davion Hill. Their well-being was her compass,
guiding her every decision with unwavering love and care. She leaves
behind a legacy of fierce maternal devotion, forever cherished by her
children.
Sosa's journey began in Columbia, nurtured by the love
of her parents, Festus and Naomi Aghedo. Her sisters, Eghosa Aghedo and
her children, Osasenaga Aghedo, Ivie Efosa and Ikpomwosa Efosa and
Sosa’s younger sister Osareti Amanda Aghedo, and niece, Onnalise
Aghedo-Wright, shared a special bond with her, woven with laughter,
support, and cherished memories.
Her educational pursuits led her
to Hickman High School and Moberly Community College, where she honed
her skills and laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Following
her innate sense of style, she embarked on a 13-year career at JCPenney,
adding her unique flair to the fashion world.
Driven by a deeper
desire to help others, Sosa discovered her passion for adolescent
psychology. This newfound purpose ignited a flame within her, leading
her to work tirelessly as a behavioral health associate at Great Circle
for 8 years and finally, Center Point for 3 years. Her clients adored
her, recognizing her genuine warmth, unwavering empathy, and profound
understanding. Sosa was not just a caregiver, she was a light of hope,
guiding adolescents through their challenges with devotion, advocation
and loving support, and with that she was loved and will be missed by
them.
Beyond her dedication to her profession, Sosa loved
spending time with friends, creating joyous memories filled with
laughter and warmth. Her vibrant personality and infectious energy lit
up any room, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
Sosa was an extremely loyal person who undoubtedly fought for everyone
she knew.
Sosa's life was tragically cut short by cancer, but her
spirit remains indomitable. She fought with courage and grace, inspiring
all who knew her with her resilience and strength. Sosa was such a
caring and thoughtful individual that with her last act of kindness she
donated her organs.
Sosa Aghedo was more than just a name; she
was a force of love, a passionate advocate, a devoted mother, a loyal
friend, and a shining example of strength and resilience. Her absence
leaves a void, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of
those she touched.
Posted
online on February 07, 2024
William Donald "Gilp"
Gilpin, age 89, of Columbia, peacefully passed away on February 5, 2024.
A one hour visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia
on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM, with the funeral service to
immediately follow. Interment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Born to William Thomas and Mabel Virginia (Forsee) Gilpin on January
25, 1935; Don was raised by his grandparents Roy and Edna Forsee. On
June 3, 1955, he married Barbara Rice at Little Bonne Femme Church. He
was a proud graduate of Hickman High School and went on to work for the
City of Columbia's Water and Light Department for 41 years. After
retirement, Don drove for Joe Machens Ford and enjoyed all of the people
he met. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Survivors include a son, Don (Mary) Gilpin of Owasso, Oklahoma; a
daughter, Julie Williams of Columbia; four grandchildren: Talia and
Jeremy Williams of Columbia, Bill (Kristi) Gilpin of St. Elizabeth,
Missouri, and Lauren Gilpin of Webb City, Missouri; six
great-grandchildren: Ty & Averi Gilpin, Zaniah & Elinah Williams, Nalii
Cowherd and Elijah Dodson; a sister, Mary Ellen Fox, as well as a loving
extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved
wife, and a great-grandson, Zaidrien Williams.
Posted online on February 16, 2024
Gloria Renfro,
83, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away with loved ones by her side on
Tuesday, February 6th.
She was born in Columbia on August 11,
1940. Gloria graduated from Hickman High School and continued her
education at Columbia College.
She was married to Larry Renfro,
and they had two children; Scott Renfro and Suzanne Autenreith.
Gloria had a passion for her family, church, and could usually be found
singing and playing her piano.
She was survived by her daughter
Suzanne, grandchildren: Alex, Jakob, and Sydney, great grandchildren:
Sutton and Kacey, siblings: Anne and Bill. Gloria was preceded in death
by her husband Larry and son Scott.
A graveside service will be
held at 10am, on February 29th, at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Funeral services are under the care of Memorial Funeral Home.
Submitted by, Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East
Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203
Pamela (Pam) Ann Acton
was born August 24, 1965, and passed away unexpectedly February 8, 2024
in Columbia, Missouri. Her parents were Wallace Joe Rice and Ruth Ann
Palmer. Pam was preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents,
three uncles and three aunts.
She is survived by her husband
Andrew (Andy) Acton with 31 years of marriage, her brother James Pearl,
mother-in-law Janet Acton, Andy’s brothers and wives, a niece and
nephew, two aunts, and several cousins.
She graduated from
Hickman High School in 1983. She worked part time at MFA Oil Company
home office until she graduated and then worked full time at MFA. She
enjoyed working for 20 years as an accountant, most recently for the
family business Acton Home Building.
Pam loved reading,
traveling, the ocean and beaches. She and Andy would travel to
Galveston, Texas every December where she loved searching the beaches
for seashells and sand dollars. Pam was a kind and loving wife, sister
and daughter-in-law. She will be missed beyond measure.
Arrangements are pending.
Pam loved all dogs and adored her
sweet Australian Shepherd Rudy. Memorial gifts may be made to the
Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, MO 65202
cmhspets.org or to the Locust Grove Church.
Arrangements are
under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12
East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be
left online for the family at
www.parkermillard.
Submitted by,
Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia
Sandra (Kay)
Ahrens, 83, of Columbia, passed away on February 12, 2024 at Lenoir
Woods. She was born on January 20, 1941, to Wallace L. Moreau and Hazel
F. Moreau (Blakemore) in Kansas City, Kansas. After graduating from
David H. Hickman High School in 1959, Kay went on to obtain her
bachelor's and master’s degrees in elementary education.
After
teaching for several years, Kay met and married George V. Ahrens Jr., on
April 26, 1974, in Independence, Missouri. Kay dedicated much of her
life to raising her two sons, Wallace and Justin. Additionally, she
worked many years at the Columbia Mall JC Penney. Kay was a member of
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish in Columbia.
Kay is survived
by her husband George, sons Wallace (Brandy) and Justin (Melinda), and
grandchildren Emma, Jonah, and Emery. She was preceded in death by her
parents and an infant brother, Paul Moreau. Services for Kay will be at
Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia on Thursday, February 15, 2024 with
visitation at 10:00 a.m. and funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m.
Fond
memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at
www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com for the Ahrens family.
Submitted by Den's brother Lindell of
Columbia MO
William “Dennis”
Thurman of Cary, NC passed away on February 14, 2024 and is survived by
Robin Thurman, his wife of 54 years, brother Lindell Thurman, son Colin
Thurman, daughter Jennifer Thurman, daughter-in-law Dawn Thurman and
grandchildren Henry and Abigail.
Dennis was born in Kansas City,
Missouri to Iva Dell and Cordell Thurman and graduated with a Masters
degree in Education-Curriculum and Instruction from the University of
Missouri in Columbia. He had a long and and well traveled career in
teaching and education for the visually impaired. Dennis worked as a
teacher at the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston and later took
promotions to positions in Halifax, Nova Scotia and South Carolina.
Dennis was appointed to the position of Superintendent at the Iowa
Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton, IA in 1987 until 2005 and
completed his career as Superintendent at the Governor Morehead School
in Raleigh, NC.
In his career, Dennis was passionate about the
kids he served and encouraged those around him to be successful. At
home, and with his friends and family, he had many passions, was an avid
reader, loved music, a variety of foods and travel. He was a student of
history and a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan.
His absence is
already felt. He was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and
friend. Dennis was 81 years old when he passed. A celebration of life
service will be held 1:00 - 4:00 pm, Saturday April 6th at the Unitarian
Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, 3313 Wade Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27607
in the Social Hall.
Submitted by, Nilson-Millard Cremation &
Burial Center, 5611 E St Charles Rd, Columbia MO 65202
Judy Faye Rybolt,
age 77, of Columbia, Missouri passed away Friday, February 16th, 2024,
at Boone Health in Columbia, Missouri.
Judy was born June 24th,
1946, in her home in Hartsburg, Missouri to Kenneth Rybolt and Jewel
“Calvin” Rybolt.
Judy graduated from Hickman High School in
Columbia, Missouri in 1964. She then worked as a secretary for the VA
where she retired. She enjoyed Dancing, Country Music, Elvis, spending
time with her family, and her fur-babies (Brandy, Baxter, and
Butterscotch).
She will be dearly missed by her daughter Angie
(Gene) Hines, two grandkids Heather (Roger) Simpson, and Cody Hines, and
two great grandkids Ethan Feltner, and Lane Feltner all of Fulton,
Missouri
She joined her parents, her brother David Rybolt, and
her son Clint Welsh in heaven.
Arrangements are under the
direction of Nilson-Millard Cremation & Burial Center, 5611 E. St.
Charles Rd.; Columbia, Missouri 65202. (573)474-8443. Online condolences
may be left for the family at
www.millardfamilychapels.com.
Posted
online on February 20, 2024
Robert Lee Grant,
90, of Columbia, passed away on February 18, 2024.
Services will
be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217
Business Loop 70 West in Columbia, with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM
and the funeral service following at 2:00 PM. Interment with full
military honors will take place immediately afterward at Memorial Park
Cemetery.
Bob was born on December 6, 1933 in Boonville to Cecil
and Sue (Edwards) Grant. He attended the one-room Vawter School in rural
Boone County and graduated from Hickman High School in 1951. It was
there that he met his bride-to-be, Iola Sontag.
After Bob joined
the Navy, his relationship with Iola was supervised by Uncle Sam as they
courted via mail. They were married on August 18, 1957. Bob spent 20
years in the Navy working in intelligence and retired honorably, having
served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars.
He and Iola returned
to their roots in Boone County in 1973. Bob took a job with the
University of Missouri, where he stayed on for 47 years. He was, of
course, a big fan of Mizzou sports, as well as the St. Louis Cardinals
and the Kansas City Chiefs. Bob was always in motion: he was a lifelong
softball player and an accomplished wood carver.
Survivors
include his beloved wife of 66 years, Iola Grant; four children: Mike
(Kathy) Grant, Gary (Trisha) Grant, Kathy Love, Kim (Kerry) Henning;
grandchildren Megan, Rob, Kyle, Kory, Maddie, BrieAna, Kenzie, Grant;
five great-grandchildren; siblings Don Grant, Lois Garrett, Patsy (John)
Watt; and many extended family members and friends.
In lieu of
flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Midway Locust Grove
Church at mwlocustgrove.com. Share memories and condolences online at
www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.
Submitted by Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 616 Jackson St,
Columbia MO 65203
Billy Dale Turner
“Bear” 65 of Columbia passed away peacefully on February 17th, 2024 at
the University Hospital in Columbia Missouri.
Bill was born
October 24th, 1958 to James Archie Turner and Ollie May Kile. Bill
graduated in 1977 at David H Hickman High School. On February 5th, 1997
Bill United in union with Cardena Fay Comley of Columbia for 27
beautiful years. Bear was known for his kind hearted nature, and strong
work ethic. He would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need.
Bears career included working at Bobs Checker Cab, the Missouri Auction,
delivering newspapers, flowers, and pizzas and many other jobs. During
his free time he enjoyed working on vehicles, small engines, fishing,
playing with his beloved fur babies (dogs), and hanging out with his
family and his grandkids, and especially his significant other Fay.
Bill is survived by 4 sisters Joylee (Wisconsin), Shirley Ann
(California State), Dottie Jean, and Jan Nease (Goffer) of Iowa. As well
as 4 brothers Bruce Archie, Bryan Thomas, Duane Countryman (from
Columbia) and Marshell Turner (south Carolina). Along with 7 daughters
Melanie Turner(Terry Johnson), Tiffany Turner (Matthew Spangler) Kansas
City, Kimberly Wyatt (Kris Wyatt), Joshua Adams (Fayette), Rebecca Smith
(Toby, Michael, Jerry, Dalton, Paul) of Columbia, Elizabeth Bundy (
unknown Grand daughter), Melissa Chitwood( Columbia), Reanna Palmer
(Columbia). And 1 son Charles Garrett of Columbia. Several close friends
and family and adopted children and grand children. Summer Leanne(
Sedalia), Megan Murdock (Fayette), and Many more.
Bear was
proceeded in death by His father James Archie Turner, mother Ollie May
Kile Turner, 1 brother (unknown name), 1 sister (unknown name), and 1
grandchild (unknown). Contribution accepted in donations to Broadway
Christian Church and his go fund me page at https://gofund.me/bc6fd18d
Posted online on February 22, 2024
Brian Paul Kemp, age
60 of Columbia MO passed away peacefully at Boone Hospital Center on
February 19, 2024.
He was born on January 9, 1964 in Columbia,
MO. He was the son of Paul and Ann Kemp who proceeded him in death.
Surviving sister Barbara Kemp Reeder and two nieces Shelby and Logan.
Brian is survived by his longtime significant other Diana Baker.
Brian worked for the City of Columbia Wastewater Treatment Plant for
21 years.
Brian had a love for football, playing music and his
dog Buck.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 3,
2024 2:00pm-6:00pm at the Eagles Lodge in Columbia, MO.
Posted online on March 01, 2024
Peggy Lou Marrero,
beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on February 22,
2024. Born on April 5, 1943 in Jefferson City, Missouri to a close-knit
family, Peggy always put family first.
She is survived by her
five children: Troy D. Anderson, Phillip D. Anderson, Thomas W. Marrero,
Anthony J. Marrero and Margaret L. Marrero. Peggy was a proud
grandmother to 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Peggy also
leaves behind her four beloved sisters: Kay Stephens, Jackie Miller,
Nanette Weber and Judy Hackman.
Peggy is preceded in death by her
parents Maybelle and Jim W. Turner.
A woman of many talents,
Peggy had a passion for music. She was a member of a chorale and the
Opera Club in high school, displaying her beautiful voice, and she could
skillfully play the piano and guitar. Her love for music was a source of
joy for those around her.
Peggy pursued a career as a psychiatric
nurse after graduating from the University of Missouri. Her dedication
to the well-being of others extended beyond her professional life as she
engaged in community service.
Family and friends will cherish the
memories of Peggy's laughter, kindness, and love. A private family
service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers,
donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association and the American
Diabetes Association.
Please visit memorialfuneralhome to
leave condolences.
Submitted by Heartland Cremation & Burial
Society, 616 Jackson St,
Columbia MO 65203
Ruby A. Williams,
age 81, of Columbia, entered into rest Saturday, February 24, 2024, at
her home. A visitation will be held from 9 AM to 11 AM Friday, March 1,
2024 at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 616 Jackson St. Columbia,
MO 65203. A graveside service will follow at memorial park cemetery in
Columbia immediately following the visitation.
Mrs. Williams was
born July 26, 1942, in Boone County, to Luther and Lucille Tiffany. She
married Charles L. Williams on March 31, 1961. He preceded her in death.
Ruby graduated from Hickman High School. She was employed at Mugs
Up, Shelter Insurance (where she received Employee of the Year in 1984),
and Midwest Mailing throughout her career. She enjoyed camping, fishing,
dancing, and roadtrips with her loved ones. Ruby loved each and every
one of her family and friends dearly.
Together, survivors include
their son, Curtis Williams; daughter, Christi Bontrager (and husband,
Levi); five grandchildren, Zachary Malone (and wife, Angie), Caitlyn
Bontrager, Ashtynn Bontrager, Eryn Bontrager, and Wyatt Williams; and
four great-grandchildren, Charlie Malone, Marvin Edward Jones IV, Carter
and AriAunna Grant, all of Columbia. Her surviving siblings are brothers
Luther Tiffany Jr, Jerry Tiffany, Donald Tiffany, James Tiffany, all of
Columbia, and Luke Tiffany of Jefferson City; and sisters Joyce Benedict
of Washington and Estella Pulis of Fulton. She was also preceded in
death by her oldest sister, Betty McDonald of Columbia.
Posted online on March 02, 2024
Helen Delores
Canole, age 100, passed away on February 28, 2024. Born September 27,
1923 in Columbia, Missouri to Mary Elizabeth (Norman) and John Leslie
Brown, Helen was a proud graduate of Hickman High School. She went on to
marry Robert H. Canole, who preceded her in death in 1996.
Helen
was a country girl at heart and loved driving her tractor, walking in
the woods and working in her garden. She was always willing to help
anyone who needed help.
Survivors include several beloved nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends.
Services will be held on Friday,
March 8, 2024 at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia. Visitation will
begin at 1PM, followed by the funeral service at 2PM. Final resting
place will be Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers,
memorial contributions may be made to the Central Missouri Humane
Society, DAV or the American Legion.
Share memories and
condolences online at
www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.
Barbara Jean Valentine
DECEMBER 26, 1933
– MARCH 3, 2024
Obituary of Barbara Jean Valentine
Submitted by,
Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia
Barbara Jean
(Carver) Valentine, age 90, of Columbia, passed away on March 3, 2024.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024 at noon at Memorial
Funeral Home in Columbia, followed immediately by the funeral service at
1:00 PM. Barbara will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery next to
her beloved husband, who preceded her in death in 2015.
Born
December 26, 1933 in Columbia to Sadie (Sachsenheimer) and Roy Lee
Carver, Barbara met Robert “Bob” Valentine, her future husband, on a
blind date. They were married on July 1, 1955 and spent the next several
decades dancing together at VFW events. For a while, they traveled all
over the state following a country band around to different dances
because they liked their music so much.
Always vivacious and
outgoing, Barbara was not only a fantastic mom to her own kids, but to
everyone in the neighborhood as well. She never hesitated to get down on
the floor and play with young kids, even well into her later years. She
was a mom to many and loved by all.
Barbara excelled at sewing
and crafts; she was well-known for gifting hand-crafted Christmas
ornaments for all the family members every year and always sending
homemade birthday cards. She also enjoyed taking in an old
black-and-white film or a Hallmark movie with a loved one.
She is
survived by her children, Ronda (Jim) Thurman, Ron Valentine, Elaine
(David) Bronke and Randy (Angie) Valentine; a brother, Charles (Mary)
Carver; six grandchildren, Melissa (Tim) Perrigo, Sarah (Brian) Glass,
Ashley (Chris) Valentine, Anthony (Krissy) Bronke, Amber Valentine and
Slater Valentine; ten great-grandchildren, and two great-great
grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, Barbara is
preceded in death by two brothers, Lee and Reg Carver; a
daughter-in-law, Tracy Valentine; and a grandson, Lester Perrigo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the
American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/dignitymemorial or by mail to
P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Submitted by brother Gary (1964 Kewpie)
Neil
passed away on March 4, 2024 in Albuquerque New Mexico.
Neil was
born In Columbia, Missouri on March 11, 1952 to John and Violet
Throckmorton. He graduated from Hickman High School in 1970 and attended
the University of Missouri.
Neil is survived by his daughter Elsa
Konkolics (Kyle) four grandsons, Collin, Camden, Cole and Cade. Brother
Gary (Carol)
Sister, Vicki Wade(Dennis) ,Nephews Scott and David
Wade and Gary D Throckmorton.
Neil was proceeded in death by his
parents, and a nephew, Rick Throckmorton.
Arrangements are
pending.
Posted online on March 07, 2024
Cynthia
Elaine "Cyndy" Campbell, a resident of Ashland, passed away on Tuesday,
March 5, 2024, at her home.
Cyndy was born on November 20, 1951,
in Columbia, the daughter of James Lawrence Harrison and Catherine
Elaine (Stites) Harrison. On October 18, 1991, in Ashland she was united
in marriage to Roger Dean Campbell, and he preceded her in death on
November 17, 2010.
Cyndy will always be remembered for her
dedication to her career as a Market Conduct Examiner with the Missouri
Department of Insurance, and the impact she had on those around her. Her
commitment and passion for her work were truly admirable. Aside from her
professional achievements, Cyndy's true joy came from spending time with
her family. She cherished every moment with her loved ones and created
unforgettable memories with them. Cyndy's love knew no bounds when it
came to her family. In her personal life, Cyndy found solace in
collecting frog figurines and had a deep affection for these creatures,
unless they were alive. Her hobby brought her immense happiness as she
curated her collection over the years. One of Cyndy's proudest
accomplishments was being a member of the Hooligan Charitable Riding
Group, where she contributed positively to the community and formed
lasting bonds with fellow members.
Cyndy is survived by a
daughter, Becky Tipton & husband Shannon; one son, Eric Smith-Byers &
husband Kevin; three grandchildren, Tyler Tipton, Tanner Tipton, and
Tucker Tipton; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in
death by her parents; husband, Roger; half-sister, Sandra Breedlove;
father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Verla Campbell;
sister-in-law, Susie Jones and husband Tom.
Services to honor and
celebrate Cyndy's life will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024, at the
Robinson-Yager Funeral Home, with a visitation taking place from 11:00
AM to 1:00 PM followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM. Following the
services, Cyndy will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
In
lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to the Hooligan
Charitable Riding Group, c/o Robinson-Yager Funeral Home, PO Box 68
Ashland, MO 65010.
Robinson-Yager Funeral Home is honored to
serve the Campbell Family.
Posted online
on March 08, 2024
Dennis James “Denny”
Kunze, age 68, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away unexpectedly
Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at his home.
He was born on April 26,
1955, in California, Mo., the son of James Walter “Jim” and Gaye
(Flippin) Kunze. He was united in marriage to Doris Ann Angerer on
October 30, 1993, at Immanual Lutheran Church – Honey Creek. She
survives at their home.
A lifelong resident of Mid-Missouri,
Denny was a 1973 graduate of Hickman High School. He continued his
education at the University of Missouri, graduating in 1977 with an
accounting degree. He was extremely studious and graduated the program
with a 4.0 grade point average.
Upon graduation, Denny began
working for the Missouri Department of Transportation as an accountant.
He dedicated 30 years of service to the department until his retirement
in 2007. He also contributed his accounting skills as an auditor for the
Fraternal Order of the Eagles Arie 2693, where he was a longtime member.
In his spare time, Denny enjoyed bowling and golfing, especially
with his father, Jim. He mastered both sports; he bowled several 300
games and notched a hole-in-one on hole #12 at Tanglewood Golf Course in
Fulton. Denny was inducted into the MO Capital Area USBC Hall of Fame in
2012, an accomplishment he was proud of. While he excelled at both
sports, he always kept a humble attitude.
Together Denny and his
wife, Doris, traveled the country visiting various casinos including Las
Vegas, Nv., Tunica, Ms., Downstream, Okla., and Iowa. Draw poker was his
game of choice, along with Keno. Gambling with a Whiskey and Diet Coke
in hand was Denny’s happy place.
While he was known to be a quiet
and reserved man, Denny was also quite the jokester. He had a go with
the flow attitude and an even-keeled nature about him. He tended to keep
to himself, never asking for help or wanting to be a bother to those
around him. Coming from and marrying into a large family, Denny enjoyed
sitting back and soaking in what was happening around him.
Survivors include: his wife of 30 years, Doris; father, Jim Kunze (Sue
Caruthers) of Columbia, Mo.; sister, Denise Hensley of Sweet Springs,
Mo.; brothers-in-law, David Harbour, Gary Angerer (Rose), Bob “Chico”
Angerer (Gina), Rich Angerer (Barb), and Tom Angerer (Sandy);
sisters-in-law, Peggy Kunze, Linda “Nag” Schroer (Steve), Marilyn Hillis
(Don), and Joan “Booboo” Schmutz (Pat); and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Gaye; brother, Donald Kunze;
sister, Darla Harbour; and brother-in-law, Jim Hensley.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00
p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2024.A Memorial Service will be conducted at
12:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in the Freeman Chapel with Pastor
Joe Campbell officiating.
A webcast of the funeral service will
begin at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2024, for friends that are not
able to attend by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s
website.
For those desiring, memorial contributions are suggested
to the Rob Ferguson Scholarship Fund.
Funeral arrangements are
under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.
Obituary submitted by brother, John Ryan (Class of 1972)
Sally J. Ryan passed
away in Grand Junction, Colorado on March 7, 2024.
Sally was born
in Columbia, Missouri, graduating from Hickman High School in 1969 as a
member of the National Honor Society. Through her early years, Sally and
her family explored the United States by camping, hiking, and learning
geology from her professor dad.
In 1973 Sally earned her
bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Northern Arizona
University in Flagstaff (Phi Kappa Phi, which is Phi Beta Kappa for
smaller institutions). There she met her husband-to-be, John Elliott.
They married in May of 1973 and spent several years working across the
country with Bechtel Engineering.
Sally and John divorced in
1977. She returned to school at the University of Missouri in Columbia,
receiving a master’s degree in counseling. Soon after, she was hired at
Regis College (now Regis University) in Denver as a resident supervisor
but soon became assistant dean of students.
During that time she
met Robert (Bob) B. Kasparek, a senior National Park Service official.
Bob was crazy about Sal and after a couple of years, he convinced her to
marry him in 1984. They had a short but wonderful time together.
Tragically, Bob was killed in a plane crash while on duty for the NPS in
early 1988.
Sally retired early and spent much of her time
volunteering for a hospice center in the Denver area and becoming active
in Kiwanis, as well as working with grief groups.
In 2004, Sally
moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, to be nearer to her siblings, John E.
Ryan (Fruita, CO) and Jan S. Ryan (Crawford, CO). Soon after, their dad,
Edward M. Ryan, moved from Missouri to Grand Junction. Together, they
had many, many adventures.
Sally and her family traveled
extensively. By the time she was an adult, Sal had been to all 48 of the
Lower States, adding Alaska and Hawaii later on. She toured Europe and
the British Isles several times. Perhaps most notable, she and the
family visited both the world’s northernmost town (Nye-Alesund,
Svalbard, in the Arctic islands belonging to Norway) and the world’s
southernmost town (Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina). In Svalbard,
she sailed within 400 miles of the North Pole; in the southern
hemisphere, she cruised the Antarctic Peninsula. Travel was a true
passion for Sally and her family.
After moving to Grand Junction,
Sally became active with Kiwanis and spent eight years volunteering for
HopeWest Hospice. Her specialty in Kiwanis was working with Aktion Club,
a group of developmentally disabled who nonetheless were active and
productive members of the community. They loved Sally. Sally was a
generous person with a huge heart. She leaves behind many friends and
acquaintances who admired and loved her.
Sally is preceded in
death by her husband, Bob (1988), her mother, Jane R. Ryan (1990), and
her father, Ed (2008). She is survived by her brother, John and her
sister Jan, along with several cousins.
Posted online on March 12, 2024
Julie was born in
Columbia, Missouri to Richard "Dale" and Judith Andrews. She grew up
with two siblings, Tom (Heather) and Christina (Marty.) She passed
peacefully Friday, March 8, 2024 at home after a brief illness.
Julie graduated from Hickman High School and went on to graduate from
Jerry's School of Hairstyling in Columbia.
Julie worked for many
years as a site supervisor at Otscon for Central Missouri Sheltered
Enterprises. There she fostered many lasting friendships with her
clients and coworkers
Julie had her 1st child Christopher (Nikki)
Andrews in 1988.
Julie married Lonnie Nations in 1991. They had
two children together Erin (Tony) Nations and Lauren (Eric) Nations.
On February 18, 2022 Julie married Benny Honer in Columbia where
they resided. They would host family dinners to celebrate various
holidays with the children as well as their 4 grandchildren Rylee,
Leilani, Uriah, and Bennett.
Julie was preceded in death by her
parents and her first husband. She is survived by her husband, both
siblings, 3 children, 4 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She will be forever missed by her family and friends. A celebration
of Julie’s life will be held from 11-1 on Saturday, March 23 at the
Englewood Community Clubhouse, 10260 E Englewood Road.
IN THE CARE OF, Memorial Funeral Home,
Crematory & Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia
Claudia Joan
McNeely (McFarland) died peacefully on March 9, 2024, surrounded by her
family in the final days of her life. Services will be conducted on
Saturday March 23, 2024 at Memorial Funeral Home with Visitation
beginning at 11 AM and a Memorial Service to follow at Noon.
Claudia was born on September 13, 1952, to Walter "Mac" and Betty
McFarland in Poplar Bluff, MO. She received a Bachelor of Art in
Education with a minor in Art from Southwest Baptist University. She
held positions with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and Barnes
Jewish Hospital in St. Louis before staying home to care for her
daughters in Edwardsville, IL.
Claudia was an artist and
accomplished seamstress who loved listening to Motown music, gardening,
and hunting for the best deals. She had fond memories of trips to the
ocean and clear turquoise waters. Claudia will be remembered for her
resilience in facing and battling her decades-long illness.
She
was survived by her daughter Erin McNeely of Columbia, MO, daughter
Clary Pfeiffer, and son-in-law Travis Pfeiffer of Edwardsville, IL,
sister Lisa Wells, and brother-in-law Robert Wells of Columbia, MO,
nieces Ashton and Chelsea Wells, grandchildren Hughes and Jettie
Pfeiffer, and her beloved mother; Betty McFarland of Columbia, MO. She
was preceded in death by her father, Walter "Mac" McFarland.
Claudia's family will be forever thankful for the love and care provided
to Claudia in the final years of her life by her daughter Erin and the
staff at Villas at Blue Ridge. May Claudia rest in peace, free from pain
and surrounded by eternal love.
Submitted by, Parker-Millard Funeral Service
& Crematory, 12 E. Ash St., Columbia, MO 65203
James Rummel
Erickson, age 69, of Columbia, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024, at
Boone Hospital Center. James was born on September 11, 1954, in
Ironwood, Michigan, the son of James and Glorian (Rummel) Erickson.
James graduated from Hickman High School. He received his bachelor’s
degree in business logistics from the University of Missouri. He married
Julie Longnecker on June 2, 1985, in Columbia, Missouri.
James’
career consisted of working at the Boone County Jail as a pod monitor, a
driver for Wonder Bread, A supervisor for a trucking company, and he was
a security guard at Stephens College, where he retired from.
James enjoyed jet skiing, going on RV trips with Julie, fishing and
reading when he had the time.
He is survived by his wife Julie
Erickson of Columbia; brother Christopher Erickson (Peggy) of Pittsburg,
PA; sister Leslie Erickson of Vero Beach, FL; mother-in-law Dorothy
Longnecker of Columbia; and niece Anna Elise Erickson. He was preceded
in death by his parents, James and Glorian Erickson.
A memorial
service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the
direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 E. Ash St.,
Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for
the family at
www.parkermillard.com.
Posted
online on March 20, 2024
Anita Neer, 90, of
Columbia, went home to be with the Lord on March 18, 2024.
Private graveside services will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, at
11:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at
Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. on Friday prior to the
graveside service.
Anita was born November 12, 1933, in Columbia
to the late George and Daisy (Nichols) Alfred. In May 1954 she married
Don Neer in Columbia. She was a founding member of Grace Bible Church.
Anita is survived by her two daughters, Diane (Phil) Davidson and
Kathy (Selman) Akyol of Columbia; sister, Dorothy Morris of Columbia and
many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She
was also preceded in death by her husband, Don, a daughter, Debbi Wills,
a sister, Shirley Alfred, and a brother-in-law, Gene Morris.
In
lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to The Food Bank
for Central and Northeast Missouri, c/o Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610
N. Garth Ave., Columbia, MO 65202.
Online condolences and
tributes may be shared with the family at
www.bachyager.com.
Posted online on March 27, 2024
Robert Kenneth Pugh
died on March 18, 2024 in Columbia. He was the former mayor of Columbia
and CEO of MBS Textbook Exchange which, at the time, was one of the top
ten employers in Boone County.
He was more commonly known simply
as "Bob" by his business associates, enormous group of friends, and his
family. His grandchildren all called him "Bob" ever since they were able
to speak. Bob didn't like the sound of "grandpa." He said it made him
feel old.
Bob was born on January 17, 1940 in Fayette, Missouri
to William Edward Pugh and Thelma "Sue" Frances (Cleeton) Pugh. His
father was an ensign in the U.S. Navy during World War II. While his
father was overseas, he lived with his mother and maternal grandparents
in Columbia. Upon his father's return from the war, his family relocated
to Paris, Missouri where his father worked as the Monroe County agent
for the University of Missouri Extension Division. They later relocated
to Columbia in 1952, when Bob was eleven years old.
Bob attended
Lee Elementary School, Jefferson Junior High, and Columbia Hickman High
School, graduating with the class of 1958. While in high school, he lost
his father to an unexpected heart attack and his mother went to work as
a librarian at Stephens College in order to support the family, which
included Bob and his younger sister, Nancy.
Bob was a track star
at Hickman, serving as team captain in 1957 and 1958. He was an
all-state performer in the high-jump, high hurdles and low hurdles as a
senior. During his junior year at Hickman, a sprightly girl named Connie
Jo Grogger invited him to the "Sadie Hawkins Dance." It was an important
moment in his life.
Following his high school graduation, Bob
enrolled at the University of Missouri and pledged with the Beta Theta
Pi fraternity. He continued to date Connie, who pledged with the Pi Beta
Phi sorority. He won a number of intramural track medals for the Beta's
and, as he often reported, drank a "hell ofa lot of beer."
Bob
and Connie were married on August 18, 1962 at the United Methodist
Church in Columbia. Problem was, the "hell ofa lot of beer" required Bob
to attend a fifth year of college, and Connie became a seventh grade
biology teacher at West Junior High in Columbia in order for them to
scrape out a living. Bob persevered and graduated from Mizzou in 1963
with a B.S. in Accounting.
Following graduation, Bob looked to
the military. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant USAR in Fort
Still, Oklahoma, then Fort Knox, Kentucky, where his son was born in
1964. He left active duty in 1965 as a First Lieutenant, but dutifully
served as Executive Officer in the Missouri National Guard before
retiring as a Reserve Captain in 1978.
Bob briefly worked for
Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, Illinois in 1965, before moving back to
Columbia to accept a job with MFA Insurance (now known as Shelter) as an
accountant in 1966.
In January, 1967, he accepted a position with
the Missouri Store Co. It turned out to be a good professional move. He
served as Assistant Controller until 1970, during which time his
daughter was born. He was promoted to executive controller of the
Missouri Store Co. in 1970.
On a fateful night on New Year’s Eve,
1972, Bob always reported that he had "a few too many cocktails" at a
party at the old Howard Johnson's Hotel with friends and a group of
young Columbia business leaders and vowed to run for local office. He
followed through and was elected as City Councilman of the Fourth Ward
the following April. After serving for two years on the City Council, he
ran successfully for Mayor of Columbia in 1975.
Bob was the Mayor
of Columbia from 1975 until 1977. Having "paid his civic rent" as he
always said, he did not run for re-election in 1977, instead opting to
concentrate on his business career.
He was promoted to Executive
Vice President of the Missouri Store Co. in 1980. During this period, he
and his business partner at the Missouri Store Co., Dan Schuppan,
launched Missouri Book Services in a large warehouse on Paris Rd. They
purchased used textbooks regionally and then re-sold them to students at
a discounted rate from what they would have paid for new books. It was a
highly successful endeavor.
In 1985, Bob and Schuppan, partnered
with Leonard Riggio, the owner of Barnes & Noble Books, purchased the
Missouri Store Co. and Missouri Book Services from the Lucas Family
Trust in Columbia. They built a massive warehouse on W. Ash St., renamed
the business MBS Textbook Exchange, and ultimately sold new and used
textbooks to more than 3,700 college bookstores across the country. Bob
served as CEO of MBS for more than 30 years.
In 2017, Bob and
Schuppan sold their interests in MBS to Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
Both retired but remained with the company as consultants.
Although Bob never sought elected office following his mayoral tenure,
he remained active in the community, serving on both the Boone County
National Bank and Commerce Bank board of directors, the Columbia Water &
Light advisory board, chairman of the Columbia Land Clearance for
Redevelopment Authority, University of Missouri business school advisory
board, and chairman of the Columbia ward redistributing commission. He
was a member of the Missouri 100, and recipient of the MU faculty alumni
award.
Bob was a generous supporter of numerous local charities,
among other things performing for many years at the Deja Vu "Celebrity
Comedy Night," often in tandem with his son, Doug. He was an avid
financial supporter of Mizzou athletics. He was a member of the "Round
Table," a group of Columbia businessmen who met regularly for lunch
downtown.
In his spare time, Bob enjoyed spending Happy Hours
with his "regular" group of cronies over the years at Harpo's, Shiloh,
Murry's and the Country Club of Missouri. He also enjoyed trying to
catch fish (usually unsuccessfully), traveling with his family, breaking
golf clubs over his knee, drinking Tito's on the rocks, and smoking
Winston Red's.
Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Connie Jo
(Grogger) Pugh of Columbia; his son Douglas Pugh (wife Amy) of Columbia;
his daughter Lesley Pugh of Columbia; a sister, Nancy (Pugh) Farris of
Canton, GA; and his four grand-children: Parker Adam (wife Sarah) of San
Diego; Tatum Pugh of Denver; Logan Adam of Columbia; and Sadie Pugh of
Columbia.
Bob was laid to rest in a private military ceremony at
Memorial Park Cemetery on March 22, 2024. A "Celebration of Life" is in
planning stages, with the date and venue to be announced by his family
in the near future.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for
the Pugh family may be shared at
www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.
Submitted by Parker-Millard Funeral Service
& Crematory, 12 E. Ash St., Columbia, MO 65203
Uniqua Nicole
Simmons, age 26, of Columbia, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
Friends will be received 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April
13, 2024 at Parker-Millard Funeral Service with a funeral service to
follow at 1:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Interment will take place at
Columbia Cemetery following the service.
The family is requesting
donations for funeral expenses that can be made at:
https://www.millardfamilychapels.com/services/e-pay
Arrangements
are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory,
12 E. Ash St., Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be
left online for the family at
www.parkermillard.com.
Submitted
by, Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory; 12 East Ash Street,
Columbia, Missouri, 65203
Erin Elizabeth
Frazier, 46, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024,
at Boone Hospital. She was born May 8, 1977, in Columbia, Missouri, the
daughter of John P. and Gloria (Shikles) Frazier.
She was the
first baby born on Mother’s Day in 1977 and was the Best Mother’s Day
Gift Ever to her mom, Gloria!
Erin was a graduate of Hickman High
School in Columbia.
She loved dancing and singing to music, and
coloring in her coloring books. She enjoyed participating in Special
Olympics, especially bowling.
Erin is survived by her mother:
Gloria Frazier of Columbia; a brother: Joel Frazier of Columbia; and
numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her
father: John P. Frazier; her brother Jason Frazier; and her
grandparents.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00
p.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday,
April 6, 2024, at Parker-Millard Funeral Service. Expressions of
sympathy may be made to the Columbia Parks and Recreation Special
Olympics in Columbia, Missouri.
Arrangements are under the
direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory; 12 East Ash
Street, Columbia, Missouri, 65203; (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be
left online for the family at
www.ParkerMillard.com.
Submitted by,
Nilson-Millard Cremation & Burial Center, 5611 E. St. Charles Rd,
Columbia MO 65202
Larry Wayne Crane,
age 83, of Ashland, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024. He was born
in Boone County, on November 18, 1940, the son of Rexford and Helen
(Sapp) Crane.
Larry graduated from Hickman High School. He
married Marjean Watson on June 11, 1960, in Boone County. They had two
sons, Rex and Kevin Crane.
Larry knew how to fix anything. He was
a Sheetmetal worker by trade, working at the University of Missouri
until 1985 and then at the Harry S Truman Veterans Hospital from 1985
until he retired.
He loved the outdoors and could be found riding
his John Deere lawn mower, or giving the grandkids rides on the go carts
or dune buggy that he and his son had built.
He is survived by
his wife Marjean Crane of Ashland; sons: Rex Crane (Lisa) of Columbia,
Kevin Crane (Ellie) Crane of O’Fallon; grandchildren: Katherine
Daugherty (Garrette), Taylor Crane (Alyssa), Sam Crane (Kayce), Dillon
Crane (Meghan), Devon Crane, Jeremy Crane; great grandchildren: Ezekiel,
Mollie, Maverick, Cannon, Mia, and many other cousins and family
members.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his
siblings: Rexine Fisher, Sylvia Murry, Lowell Crane, Jerry Crane, and
Jimmy Crane.
Friends and family will be received from 12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Nison-Millard Cremation &
Burial Center, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at the
funeral home. Interment will follow the services at Memorial Park
Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the family for
funeral expenses.
Arrangements are under the direction of
Nilson-Millard Cremation & Burial Center, 5611 E. St. Charles Rd.;
Columbia, MO 65202. (573) 474-8443. Online condolences may be left for
the family at
www.nilsonfuneralhome.com.
Submitted
by, Nilson-Millard Cremation & Burial Center, 5611 E. St. Charles Rd.;
Columbia, MO 65202
Robert “Bob” Wayne
Hendren was born at home in Huntsdale, MO on August 3, 1944, to Taylor
Robert Hendren and Mary Frances (Turner) Hendren and passed away March
29, 2024.
He spent most of his young life in the
Huntsdale/McBaine area, and attended Huntsdale school, Midway
Elementary, Jefferson Jr High and Highman High School.
Bob joined
the US Army in October 1965 and was a Vietnam Veteran where he served as
a Specialist 4th class. He was Honorably discharged in October 1971.
Bob spent much of his life driving a concrete truck where he was
first hired at Dalton Concrete in 1969, and then drove with Columbia
Ready Mix until 1987.
Bob then began working at Broad Building
Supply in 1987 driving a tractor trailer until his retirement in 2005
due to health issues.
Bob was always humble and the calm in the
storm.
He enjoyed fishing, camping, spending time with all his
family, and serving our God. He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church
and had served 3 times as a deacon.
Bob is survived by his wife
of 43 years, Janet, of the home. His sister, Ida (Hendren) Gash, his
children; Kristi Phelan, Kari Hallowell, Angela Miller (Corby), Mary
Acton, Robert Hendren Jr (Jacque). He was very blessed with
grandchildren; Reagan Strough (Jared), Shawn Miller (Brittany), Kortni
Davis (Nick), Kassiti Walters, Steven Hendren, Kolten Phelan, Hunter
Acton. Great-Grandchildren; Emerson Phelan-Lomas, Gunner Strough, Mason
Miller, Bennett Davis, Ayla Walters, Kendrix Walters, Lucas Kline.
He was preceded in death by his parents Taylor and Mary Hendren,
brother Thomas Hendren, son-in-law Billy Acton, aunts and uncles, nieces
and nephews, and his grandson Hayden Holt.
Arrangements are under
the direction of Nilson-Millard Cremation & Burial Center, 5611 E. St.
Charles Rd.; Columbia, MO 65202. (573) 474-8443. Online condolences may
be left for the family at
www.nilsonfuneralhome.com.
Submitted by, Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash
Street, Columbia MO 65203
Mr. Thomas C.C.
Simmons passed away Saturday, April 6, 2024 in Texas.
Thomas was
born January 11, 1949 to the late Robert Simmons and Rosie Baker of
Columbia, Missouri. He attended Columbia Public Schools. He enlisted
into the United States Army his senior year of high school. He was a
member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Columbia, Missouri. Thomas enjoyed
hunting, fishing, cooking and had several fishing buddies. He loved dogs
and he was always smiling. He served two terms in the Vietnam War. Upon
being injured in the war he received the Purple Heart. He was a member
of the Royal Deuces.
Survivors include: wife, Yvonne Simmons;
children, Duane Simmons, Candace Jones, Marcus Jordan, Cassandra
Collins, Donna Simmons, Monica Simmons and Ryan (Stephanie) Simmons;
brother, Paul (Connie) Simmons; twenty one grandchildren; eighteen
great-grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He
was preceded in death by: both of his parents, Robert and Rosie Simmons;
son, Thomas; brothers, Robert, Freddie, Dennis, and David; sister,
Marie; granddaughters, Uniqua and Masherra.
Friends will be
received from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Friday, April 26, 2024 at
Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory. Funeral Services will be
held at 1:00 pm, Friday, April 26, 2024 at Parker-Millard Funeral
Service & Crematory with Rev. James Gray officiating. A burial with full
military honors will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service &
Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153.
Condolences may be left online for the family at
www.parkermillard.com.
Memorial from best friend and 1967 Kewpie Classmate, Larre Johnson.
IN THE
CARE OF
Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park
Cemetery/Columbia
Marla Vee (Green)
Felder, 63 of Talihina, Oklahoma died Sunday, April 7, 2024 in
McAlester, OK surrounded by her loving family. A graveside service will
be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Memorial Park Cemetery,
Columbia, Missouri. Burial will follow.
Marla was born to Richard
Lyle and Patricia Claire (Nehrbass) Green on Jun 18, 1960 in Greeley,
Colorado. She graduated from David H. Hickman High School in Columbia,
Missouri in 1978. She then earned a Bachelor of Science degree from
Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, Tennessee in 1982. Marla went
on to earn a Master’s degree from Central Missouri University in
Warrensburg, Missouri.
Marla married Thomas Graham Felder on
November 19, 1982 in Nashville, Tennessee. Marla and Tom had a caring
and loving relationship, based on mutual support and a deep love for
each other. She worked as a gerontology social worker for several
nursing homes and hospices in Chattanooga, Nashville, Tennessee and
Kansas City, Missouri. Marla was a person of faith and lived her life
serving others. Marla currently served as the pastor’s wife at Gateway
Church of the Nazarene in Talihina, Oklahoma.
Marla was an avid
reader and loved to write in her journal, that she had done since high
school. She also enjoyed arts and crafts. Marla’s children and
grandchildren were her pride and joy. The legacy of Marla’s zest for
life, will live long through her children, grandchildren and friends.
Marla was a kind and gentle person who loved spending time with her
family especially her grandsons.
Marla rejoins her infant
brother, Michael David Green; paternal grandparents, David and Marvel
Green; and maternal grandparents, Marl and Fredia Nehrbass.
Marla
is survived by her parents, Richard and Pat Green of Columbia, Missouri;
husband, Rev. Tom Felder of the home; son, Ben Felder and wife, Lori of
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; daughter, Megan Lynes and husband, Michael of
Hartshorne, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Satchel Felder, Lincoln Lynes;
brother, Daniel Green and wife, Samantha of Jefferson City, Missouri;
uncle, Bill Green and wife, Shirley of Knoxville, Tennessee; several
special cousins, best friend, Vickie White, other cousins, nieces,
nephews, other family members and friends.
Marla will be missed
but not forgotten.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gateway
Church of the Nazarene, Route 1 Box 1132, Talihina, OK 74571.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at
www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.
Submitted by, Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 E. Ash
St., Columbia MO 65203
Bruce Frederick
Smith passed away April 8, 2024, in Columbia, Missouri, at the age of
69. Bruce was born Jan. 23, 1955, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Dr. Jason Ned
Smith, Jr. and Mary Dunlap Smith. Bruce was raised in Columbia and
graduated from Hickman High School in 1973. He then pursued an
electrical engineering degree at the University of Missouri, graduating
with honors in 1978.
Bruce left Missouri for a job at Texas
Instruments and decided, not missing the snow, to make Texas his new
home. He would go on to work in marketing at AMD in Austin for nearly
twenty years, becoming a devoted Longhorns fan along the way.
He
married Shelley (Spaulding) Smith, and they began a family in central
Texas, welcoming two daughters, Lauren, and Allyson. Bruce cared deeply
for his girls, as illustrated by many long nights at the kitchen table
helping with math homework and countless trips to the exotic pet store
in their youth. He educated them often on classic rock and introduced
them to his favorite German chocolate cake. He had a warm sense of humor
and enjoyed giving funny nicknames to his favorite people.
An
avid golf enthusiast, he enjoyed playing, watching, and collecting golf
memorabilia. He viewed Pebble Beach as a personal paradise and was lucky
enough to experience its magic in person. He had a deep appreciation for
music, particularly the Rolling Stones and was known to host frequent
at-home turntable concerts. Bruce was also interested in cars, favoring
the Porsche 911 above all.
Bruce was a devoted husband to his
wife, Sherry “Mariea” Smith, a partner he adored and was grateful to
find upon his return to Missouri. The two married on the beach in
Destin, Florida, on June 17, 2020. Bruce gained two wonderful sons in
their union, Calan and Tyrone, with whom he shared a special connection.
Mariea and Bruce enjoyed spending time together with their toes in the
sand, riding bikes on the trail and working on their flower garden.
Bruce also leaves behind their cherished dog, Jake.
He is
preceded in death by his father, Dr. J. Ned Smith, Jr. and his sister,
Helen (Smith) Burnham (Bill Burnham). He is survived by his mother Mary
Dunlap Smith, his wife, Sherry “Mariea” Smith; her sons, Calan Keyton
and Tyrone Wright; his daughters, Lauren Smith, and Allyson (Smith)
Seitz (William Seitz). Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended
family also mourn his passing.
A private celebration of Bruce's
life will be held Friday, April 12.
In lieu of flowers, the
family requests that donations be made to the Central Missouri Humane
Society, in Bruce's memory at:616 Big Bear Blvd. Columbia, Missouri
65202 or https://cmhspets.org/donation-form/
The Smith family
wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the many friends and family
who have provided support during this time.
Arrangements are
under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 E.
Ash St., Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left
online for the family at
www.parkermillard.com.
Submitted by Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park
Cemetery/Columbia
Dorothy Elizabeth Golson
OCTOBER 13, 1923 –
APRIL 10, 2024
Dorothy
“Dottie” Elizabeth Golson, 100, of Warrensburg, Missouri died in her
sleep at Harmony Gardens where she had been a resident for the past few
years. She lived most of her life in Columbia, except for a few years in
Mexico, Missouri and then in 2010, moved to Warrensburg to be closer to
family.
Dorothy Elizabeth Davenport was born in Columbia,
Missouri, the only child of John Elkin Davenport and Lillian Rose
(Hulen) Davenport. She attended Columbia public schools and graduated
from Hickman High School in 1941. On Christmas Day 1942, she married
John A. Golson, Jr. in Columbia, Missouri. John was active in the
military during World War II and she followed him to Germany before they
came back to Columbia to make their home. John began working for his
father-in-law in the family business as a linotyper at Columbia Printing
Company, located on North 9th Street. Eventually John and Dottie
purchased the business from her parents and Dottie worked with her
husband until the business was sold and they both retired. The Golson
family enjoyed camping and going to the Lake of the Ozarks often on the
weekends. Later in life Dottie worked in the food service at Stephens
College and later in the flower shop at Nowells on Keene street. She
loved to sew, knit, square dance, craft, travel and work on genealogy.
Dottie was active in several organizations throughout her lifetime.
As John was a charter member of the Columbia Cosmopolitan Luncheon Club,
Dottie was the first treasurer of the auxiliary club called PALs. She
was active in the Boone County Historical Society in the 1970s and 80s
and a member of the Genealogical Society of Central Missouri for several
years. She was a former member of the Daughters of the American
Revolution. Her ancestors were from many of the earliest families that
settled Boone County, Missouri.
Dottie is survived by her
daughter, Gayle Golson of Warrensburg, Missouri; son, Glenn Golson
(Jeanette) of Warrensburg, daughter-in-law, Emily (Golson) Jennings
(Drue) of Leawood, KS; five grandchildren: Grant (Liz) Golson of
Overland Park, Kansas; Elizabeth (Greg) Steinberg of Leawood, Kansas;
Miles (Emery) Golson of Boulder, Colorado; Thomas Golson (Alison),
Kansas; Katherine Golson, Kansas. She is also survived by great
grandchildren, Bonnie Golson and John Grant Golson, III; Arlo Golson and
Muna Golson, Emerson Steinberg, Ellery Steinberg and Juliette Steinberg.
A few nieces and nephews survive.
Dottie was preceded in death by
her husband, John A. Golson, Jr. on November 24, 1991, after 48 years of
marriage, and her son John G. Golson, who died June 12, 2000. She was
also preceded in death by her parents, John E. and Lillian R. (Hulen)
Davenport, as well as her in-laws, John A.,Sr. and Amanda (Skillman)
Golson. She was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters-in-law,
Thomas Golson (Jeanette) formerly of Oakridge, Tennessee; and George
Golson (Doris) formerly of Jefferson City, Missouri.
A private
graveside service will be held later this Spring at Memorial Park
Cemetery, Columbia, Missouri.
Submitted by,
Robinson-Yager Funeral Home, PO Box 68 Ashland, MO 65010
Edward Lee "Eddie"
Sachs, 76, a resident of Ashland passed away peacefully on April 11,
2024, at his home.
Eddie was born on June 9, 1947, in Columbia,
the son of Leroy Edward Sachs and Billie Jean Sappington. He is survived
by his wife Donna Allee Sachs, whom he married on June 14, 1969, in
Columbia, MO.
Eddie’s passion for entrepreneurship blossomed
early on in his career when he started working at Gerbes Supermarket. It
was there that he met his future business partner Adron Perry and
embarked on the journey of success. In 1978, Eddie and Adron co-founded
The Blue Acres Little General Store, which eventually expanded to
operate five convenience store locations on the outskirts of Columbia.
He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the growth and prosperity of
their business endeavors. Outside of work, Eddie cherished moments spent
with his family and friends. Upon retirement, he found joy in playing
golf and exploring new destinations. However, his heart was always drawn
back to the family place at The Lake of the Ozarks, where he enjoyed
cruising the waters aboard his boat and creating lasting memories with
loved ones. A man of integrity and kindness, Eddie's presence will be
deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy
lives on through his family, who will forever hold him close in their
hearts.
In addition to, Donna, his wife of 54 years, Eddie will
be sadly missed and forever remembered by five children, Rebecca Lyn
Shoot and husband Jason of Ashland, Nathan Edward Sachs of Ballwin, Mo.,
Erik Brandon Sachs and wife Luda of Oak Ridge, Tenn., Joshua Andrew
Sachs and wife Lisa of Columbia, and Andrea Nicole Sachs of Columbia;
ten grandchildren, Kylie, Lleyton, Paige, Greighson, Harper, Kannon,
Kyler, Rylan, Braiden, and Claire; one great grandchild, Bentley; three
sisters, Marcia Godfrey and husband Barry, Kay Wampler and husband Ron,
and Donna Heavin; one brother, Shaun Sachs; two half-sisters, Lisa
Sachs, and LeAnne Ahearn; two stepbrothers, Jack Ruble and John Ruble
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Teresa
Michele Sachs, two stepbrothers Tom Ruble and Toby Shelburn
A
celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18,
2024, at Ashland Baptist Church with Pastor Zach Haffecke and Pastor Jim
Smith officiating. A memorial visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m.
until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions may be given to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for
Parkinsons Research, Preferred Hospice, or South Hampton Place, c/o
Robinson-Yager Funeral Home, PO Box 68 Ashland, MO 65010.
Robinson-Yager Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sachs Family.
Posted online on April 16, 2024
Robert Wesley
Dittmer, 86, of Columbia, MO passed away peacefully and with his family
by his side, on April 14, 2024 at the University Hospital.
Robert
was born in Buffalo, MO to Hedwig (Hettie) and Edward (Ed) Dittmer on
September 7, 1937. Robert was the youngest of six children and one of 35
“Dittmer cousins” who grew up together in the surrounding area. The
first six years of Robert’s life was spent on a 100-acre farm in the
Ozarks, near Elkland and Buffalo, MO. In 1941, Ed and Hettie moved their
family to a farm in Emma, Mo and in 1945 they moved into their first
home with electricity and a coal furnace. In 1951, the Dittmer family
moved to Columbia, MO.
Robert was a Kewpie, graduating from
Hickman High School in 1955. He enlisted in the Marine Corp in 1956
during peacetime, completing his basic training and service at Camp
Pendleton, CA. Robert was on the Forward Air Control team, calling air
strikes and guiding the targets to hit. He was also on the expert
Rifleman and Pistol team. Daily calisthenics, 25 mile running hikes,
cold weather training and desert training made Robert extremely strong
and tough. Robert was very proud of his service and loved to remind
people “once a Marine, always a Marine.”
In December 1961, Robert
married Yvonne Stull, also of Columbia, Mo. The newlyweds immediately
moved to Annandale, VA where Robert worked for Beacons moving company.
In 1963, he and Yvonne moved back to Columbia, MO. Robert and Yvonne had
three sons and one daughter together: Robert Wesley Dittmer II, Gregory
Todd Dittmer, Brian Lee Dittmer and Melissa Lynne Dittmer. Robert was
later blessed with four grandchildren: Brandon Lee Dittmer, Sidney
Nicole Dittmer, Lauren Renee Dittmer and Ava Margaret Dittmer. He was
also loved by many nieces and nephews; the kids were close with their
uncle growing up and became friends with him as adults.
In
Columbia, Robert’s career settled into the sales industry. Robert
started in the automotive industry, working for Nichols Buick. One year
he had the pleasure of driving Bob Hope, on behalf of the dealership,
for an appearance at Faurot Field. Robert moved into the insurance
industry next and established an independent insurance agency called
Dittmer and Associates. Later in life, Robert ventured into manufactured
home sales. In each industry, Robert easily and quickly moved into Sales
Management. His honesty, intelligence, charisma and ability to make you
feel you were the only person in the room, made him a natural. His sales
career was successful and fulfilling.
Growing up on a farm taught
Robert to work first and play later, and play he did. As a young man,
Robert was an expert pool player and a known hustler in the area.
Booches is where he played billiards most often and where he was dubbed
with the nickname “Legend.” Robert was also an avid fisherman, with bass
and crappie amongst his favorites. There were many early mornings and
late evenings spent on the lake. Golf was next on the list and became
mostly an obsession. He loved days on the golf course and loved playing
golf with his three sons. Many family gatherings, holidays and special
occasions were planned around when Robert and the boys had a tee time.
After Robert retired from sales, he became involved with the Three
Dollar Golf Club. He happily served as the club’s President for many,
many years. In the last few months of his life, Robert had an apartment
at The Terrace Retirement community. He made friends fast and enjoyed
himself. Robert was an easy conversationalist with knowledge on so many
things. He was a gentleman with good manners, a kind heart and fun sense
of humor. He was the kind of man who could fix anything and seemingly do
anything. We will miss him so much.
Robert is survived by his
older brother, Melvin Dittmer (Ginger), his previous wife, Yvonne
Dittmer, sons Wesley (Stacy), Greg and Brian (Amy), daughter Melissa
(Jason), grandson Brandon and granddaughters Sidney, Lauren and Ava. He
was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul, Clark and Lauren,
and sister Ruth. Visitation services will be held April 19th at 9am at
Memorial Funeral Home. The funeral will immediately follow at 11am, with
graveside services.
Posted online on
April 19, 2024
Kenneth Paul Jones,
92, of Columbia, passed away on April 18, 2024.
Ken was born on
July 20, 1931, in Boonsboro, MO, to Paul Jones and Mary Lou Boggs Jones,
who preceded him in death.
A 1949 Hickman High School graduate,
Ken went on to receive a business degree with a concentration in
marketing from the University of Missouri in 1953. A lifelong Kansas
City Royals fan, Ken played American Legion and Ben Johnson baseball in
his youth.
Known for his easygoing charm and quick wit — “I’m the
last of a dying breed, I’ve only had one job and one wife” — Ken was
married to Nellie Pearl Kyger from January 30, 1954, until her death on
April 2, 2020.
He served in the Air Force during the Korean War,
obtaining the rank of Captain. After military service, Ken worked at
Shelter Insurance for 40 years. He received the Edward Rochie Hardy
Prize as the Most Distinguished Graduate of 1961 from the Insurance
Institute of America and would go on to obtain both CPCU and CLU
designations.
Ken is survived by his three devoted children,
Janice Nelson (Harris), Paula Brown (Brent) and Randy Jones (Derek
Wakefield), all of Columbia; grandchildren: Adam Crutchfield
(Chesterfield), Blake Crutchfield, Whitney Brown, Wade Brown, Maribeth
Jones (Columbia), Kevin Jones (Herndon, VA); and three
great-grandchildren: Max, Darcy, and Delaney Crutchfield (Chesterfield).
In addition to spending time with his family, Ken enjoyed Mizzou
sports, golf, reading, crossword puzzles, G&D Pizza, Jeopardy—and living
up to his unofficial title as “Mayor of the Mall.”
Of the many
extraordinary caregivers, the family would like to acknowledge Dr.
Christina Stixrud, Beth Johnson, LPN, and Compassus Hospice Care.
Visitation will take place on Monday, April 22, at 1:00 PM, with the
funeral service immediately following at 2:00 PM at Memorial Funeral
Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia, MO 65202. Burial will follow
in Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial
contributions be made to Compassus Living Foundation at
https://compassuslivingfoundation.org/give/
Posted online on April 20, 2024
David McBride, 78,
of Columbia, passed away on April 18, 2024.
David was born on
March 12, 1946, to the late Charles Edward and Mable (Black) McBride in
Hannibal, Missouri. David graduated from Hickman High School in 1964.
David served in the United States Army from 1966 – 1968.
David
was a man of many talents, he was an artist, musician, mechanic and
craftsman. He lived a vibrant life and shared many laughs with those he
cherished. His door was always open to his many beloved friends.
David is survived by his daughter, Jesse Benedict (Shannon) and stepson,
Caleb Hampton; grandchildren, Austin Bopp and Elizabeth Bopp; great
granddaughter, Millicent McGowan (Joseph) and step-great grandson, Hank
Hampton; and four siblings, Roy McBride, Donnie McBride, Linda McBride
and Mary Nowlin (James).
David was preceded in death by his
parents, two brothers, Andy and Ray, first wife Diane Stroup (Grove),
second wife Debbie McBride (Collins), and third wife Lori McBride
(Hampton).
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later
date.
Online condolences may be shared at
www.bachyager.com.
Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel of Columbia is honored to serve the family.
Patricia "Patt" Pafford
MARCH 15, 1940
– APRIL 23, 2024
Obituary of Patricia "Patt" Pafford
IN THE CARE
OF
Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia
Patricia “Patt”
Ellen (Rippeto) Pafford, age 84, of Columbia, Missouri and New
Braunfels, Texas died Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Boone Hospital Center
after a brief illness.
Patt was born on March 15, 1940 in Jefferson
City, Missouri to Willie Rippeto and Chloe (Crane) Rippeto. She was the
third oldest of six children and was preceded in death by her parents,
her brother Archie Rippeto (Doris), brother Donald Rippeto (Phyllis),
and her sister Judy Rippeto Perkins. Patt is survived by her husband,
Bill Pafford of Waco, Texas, sister Glenda Rippeto Moss (Jerry) of
Austin, Texas, brother Tom Rippeto (Ellen) of Columbia, Missouri, as
well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Patt graduated from
Hickman High School in 1957 where she developed her lifelong love of
music, particularly playing the trumpet. She earned a number of honors
through her association with the Hickman band. Patt continued her
musical education at the University of Missouri in Columbia where she
received her bachelor’s degree in 1962 and her master’s degree in 1966.
This led to a 30-year rewarding teaching career and the establishment of
her own music studio where she had the joy of teaching music students at
all levels including those preparing for All-District and All-State
Bands.
Patt met the love of her life, Bill Pafford, who survives,
while they were both working in Hannibal, Missouri at the Calvary
Baptist Church. They married there in 1981 and began a 43-year happy
life based on faith, music, travel, and family.
For those who
would like to make a donation in Patt’s memory, please include a note
with your tribute mentioning Patt Pafford and Marching Mizzou to the
following address: Marching Mizzou, 407 Reynolds Alumni Center,
Advancement, Columbia, MO 65211.
Arrangements are under the
direction of Memorial Funeral Home. A private service and burial will be
held at Goshen Baptist Church and Cemetery in Hartsburg.