Philinda “Lyndi” Deiter-McCracken
1955-2015

Philinda “Lyndi” Deiter-McCracken, 59, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday, May 25, 2015 surrounded by family.
She was born May 26, 1955 in Topeka, Kansas.
Lyndi received her Bachelor’s Degree from Pacific Lutheran University, Studied Art at Lansing Community College and worked as a Social Worker for the State of Washington. She was passionate about many things including, social justice, her community, family geneology and the KC Royals.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. John and Marjory (Hybskmann) Deiter; sister, Jane Deiter; and brother, Jerry Deiter. Survivors include: daughters, Abby McMurphy and Jessica Roth (Gerald); grandchildren, Ellen McMurphy, Alexis Noonan, Emma Roth and Hannah Roth; sisters, Dr. Pamela Deiter-Sands (Jen Rose) and Sara Deiter, many nieces and nephews; close friends, Kenny Bloch and Mary Toland; and dogs, Bonnie and Katie.
Private Graveside Services Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

John “Dick” Merritt
(06/15/1935 – 05/25/2015)

John “Dick” Merritt, 79, of Wathena, KS, passed away Monday, May 25, 2015 at his home.
Dick was born June 15, 1935 in Skidmore, MO to John Z. and Hattie F. (Hall). He enlisted in the US Navy in 1952 and retired after twenty years. In 1952 he married Jane Armstrong and remained married until her death. On April 6, 2001 he married Jackie Wyatt in St. Joseph. He was a Lifetime Member of the VFW Post 1668 and a 32 degree Mason and belonged to the St. Joseph Lodge.
Mr. Merritt was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Janie; two brothers, Eugene “Shorty” and Ron Merritt and a sister, Roma Jean Nicholson.
Dick is survived by his wife Jackie; two sons, John R. Merritt, Jr. (Debbie) and William “Buddy” Merritt (Debbie); step-daughters Cyndi Wyatt, Kay Smith (Shawn) and Joe Keller (David); a brother, Bob Merritt (Codi); three sisters, Frances Brumback (Frank), Ethel Fulk (Fred) and Sandy Gerstner (Jim); four grandchildren Michael Merritt (Bridgett), Beth Ann Scott (Nick), Kyle Merritt, Adam Merritt (Heidi); step-grandchildren, Cody, Hannah, Jarret, Camryn, Jacob and Amani; great-grandchildren Ashley, Emily, Garret, Conner and Riley; Sister-In-Law Janice Merritt and an additional survivor, “Lil” Debbie.
Visitation will begin after 9:00AM Thursday at the Heaton-Bowman-Smith and Sidenfaden Chapel where the family will receive friends from 6:00PM to 8:00PM Thursday evening.
Services will be Friday, May 29, 2015 at 1:00PM at the Heaton-Bowman-Smith and Sidenfaden Chapel. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Out of respect for Dick’s wishes, please come dressed as he would have normally seen you.
The family suggests contributions to the Paralyzed Veterans of America or the Wathena Volunteer Fire Department.

Arlene Whitmore Meyer
(03/31/1932 – 05/25/2015)

Arlene Whitmore Meyer, 83, of St. Joseph, MO., passed away Monday, May 25, 2015 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born to Elmer Whitmore Sr. and Edith Jackson Whitmore on March 31, 1932, she was among the youngest of eight children.
She was married to John Meyer. From this union, two daughters were born, Monica Meyer of Oakley, California and Michelle Correa of Colorado. She had four grandchildren; Annie, Jack, Sammy and Shawnee.
Arlene was a 1950 graduate of Central High School. She started her career in advertising at the St. Joseph News Press and Gazette, and retired from the Los Angeles Times.
She was preceded in death by her sister; Nancy McCurdy and brothers; Jimmy, Albert and Johnny Whitmore.
Also surviving are her sisters; Ruth Dykes and Thelma Deshon, and brother; Elmer Whitmore Jr.
Arlene will be sorely missed by several nieces and nephews as well as her two little dogs; Ollie and Kiwi.
Services 10:30 AM Friday, May 29, at Heaton-Bowman-Smith and Sidenfaden Chapel. Interment Ashland Cemetery. Visitation will be held after 12:00 PM Thursday at our chapel, where the family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Mosaic Hospice.

Roberta J. Sherwood
June 9, 1936 – May 25, 2015

Roberta Jo (Wille) Sherwood, 78, St. Joseph, MO passed from this life on Monday, May 25, 2015 at her home. She was born to Harold and Thelma (Jackson) Wille in St. Joseph, MO on June 9, 1936.
Roberta retired from Wire Rope Corp. where she worked for twenty-seven years. She enjoyed her summers at their cabin in Minnesota and vacationing with her family. She loved family events and gatherings that were always held in her home. Roberta was a member of Green Valley Baptist Church and enjoyed being involved with her church.
Survivors include three sons Rick (Charlene) Dean, Fontana, CA, Eugene (Sue) Dean, Robert Dean; Daughter Gail (Gary) Specht, all of St. Joseph, MO; nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Roberta was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Clayton Dean and second husband Elmer Sherwood.
Celebration of life will be held 1 PM Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Gladden – Stamey Funeral Home St. Joseph, MO. Public visitation with family receiving hours Wednesday 6 – 8 PM at the Funeral Home. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Joseph, MO. Memorial donations suggested to Green Valley Baptist Church, St. Joseph, MO

Rita Ann Luke
1929 – 2015

Rita Ann Luke, 85, Maryville, Missouri, formerly of Conception Junction, Missouri, died Monday, May 25, 2015, at Golden Living Center, Maryville, Missouri.

Rita was born October 30, 1929, in Parnell, Missouri to John S and Carolena M (Brunstermann) Roach.

A 1947 high school graduate of St. Benedicts High School, Clyde, Missouri, Rita attended Mount St. Scholastica College, Atchison, Kansas. Rita retired as secretary to Jefferson C-123 School, Conception Junction, Missouri.

She married Ralph Luke June 23, 1948, in Maryville who preceded her in death October 31, 2002.

Rita was a former 4-H Leader, enjoyed quilting, sewing, crocheting, flowers, playing cards and bowling and was involved in Read Across America.

Preceding in death were her husband Ralph, brothers Hubert Roach, Karl Roach and sisters Cecelia Roach and Berniece Dowell.

Survivors include her children
Carolyn (Jim) Holtman, Conception Junction, MO
Martha (Ernie) Chapman, Columbia, MO
Diane (Ken) Parks, Osage Beach, MO
Vincent (Becky) Luke, Conception Junction, MO
John Luke, Maryville, MO
Janice Luke, Kansas City, MO
James Luke, Portland, OR
22 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren
nieces and nephews
brothers Joseph Roach, Denver, CO
Jerome Roach, Denver, CO, Paul Roach, Shawnee, KS
and sister Loretta Kissinger, Maryville, MO

A visitation will be held 6-8:00 PM Thursday, May 28, at the Price Funeral Home, Maryville, Mo.

A Celebration of Life will be 10:30 AM, Friday, May 29, 2015, at Tri Meadows, Conception Junction, Missouri with burial in St Columba Cemetery, Conception, Missouri.

Memorials may be made to SSM Hospice and Home Care, in Rita’s name.

www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com