John J. Andrew
1945-2013

John J. Andrew, 67, St. Joseph, Missouri died Friday, July 19, 2013 at a local healthcare center.
He was born August 9, 1945 to William and Verna (Lowe) Andrew in St. Joseph, Missouri.
He married Anna Louise Lewis. She preceded him in death.
John was self-employed as a craftsman and later opened the Pioneer Bread Company and worked at Panera Bakery. He was a member of Three Angels Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he was an active volunteer teaching Bible Study classes and Health classes.
He enjoyed the outdoors and was an adventurist.
John was also preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors: daughter, Michelle Cafferty, St. Joseph, Missouri; son, Chad (Susana), Nashville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Natasha Andrew, Hope Cafferty, and Briana, Eligah, Joshua Andrew/Sullivan; great-grandchildren, Brayden, Dayden, Jayson Andrew; sister, Carol Schiesser, Arkansas; brother, William “Andy” Andrew (Ursula), Florida; brother, David Andrew (Linda), St. Joseph, Missouri; sister, Debbie Thomas, Colorado; sister, Denise Brinnon (Joe), St. Joseph, Missouri; brother, Shelby Andrew (Alice), Oklahoma; mother-in-law, Pauline Lewis, St. Joseph, Missouri; sister-in-law, Barbara Payne (Larry), Tennessee; sister-in-law, Carolyn Chalfant, St. Joseph, Missouri; brother-in-law, Charles Lewis (Corina), St. Joseph, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services: 3:00 P.M. Saturday, Three Angels Seventh-day Adventist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Three Angels Seventh-day Adventist Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

 

Cleo Butcher Kelder
1913-2013

Cleo Butcher Kelder, a devoted wife, loving mother and exemplary homemaker, passed away from this life at the age of 100, on July 18, 2013 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born April 23, 1913 to Charles and Francis (Walker) Butcher in Hartville, Missouri.
She married Charles “C.C.” Kelder on June 23, 1939. He preceded her in death in 1970.
Cleo was a life member of Wyatt Park Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school for over thirty years. She supported the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Plaides Radiant Chapter 88 and Chapter 189 since 1941.
She enjoyed helping her husband with I Buy Anything Company and ran it after his passing. She loved playing the piano and there was always music playing at her house. Throughout her life, she enjoyed her daily Baskin Robbins Jamocha ice cream.
Mrs. Kelder was extremely grateful for the countless blessings she received throughout the course of her long and eventful life.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; stepchildren, Katherine, Ray, and June; and six siblings.
Survivors: son, Charles Curtis “Curly” Kelder (Kathy), St. Joseph, Missouri; daughter, Corliss “Cindi” (Dr. Bernard Z.) Kelder-Albina, Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Samia Mischelle Albina-Bullock (Sean), Houston, Texas, Tanya “Ty” Albina-Moz, Houston, Texas, Mark Zacharia Albina (Adriana Oropeza), Shakopee, Minnesota, Angelyn Kelder-Foster, Savannah, Missouri, and Kayla D. Kelder-Ueligger (Lonnie), St. Joseph, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Ty’s children: Cody, Erika, Emily and Katie; Angie’s children: Preston, Isaac, Trevor, Hunter, Taylor, and Madison; and Kayla’s daughter, Helen; sister, Jane Butcher Norris; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and others.
Cleo leaves behind a legacy of love evidenced by her family members coming from afar to participate in the celebration of her life.
Graveside Service and Interment: 10:00 A.M. Monday, Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5:00 P.M. Sunday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Wyatt Park Baptist Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

 

June A. Deem
1922-2013

June A. Deem, 91, Kansas City, Missouri, formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri, died Friday, July 19, 2013 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born June 21, 1922 to Eugene C. and Hazel N. (Smith) Logsdon.
June graduated from Lafayette High School where she was the Basketball Queen. She was a member of the USO during the war when she met her husband, George. George was taken at 62 years of age in 1983 after 36 years of marriage. She also spent her remaining years with many long loved friends. June was a lifelong resident of St. Joseph, Missouri but spent her last two years residing in Kansas City close to family.
Mrs. Deem retired from the administration department at Missouri Western State University in 1986. She was a long time member of the First Christian Church of St. Joseph, the Runcie Club, and several bridge groups.
June, also known as “Gigi” by her grandchildren, enjoyed being with her family the most. Her claim to fame was she lived a great life with no regrets.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Dorothy Logsdon; and brother, Eugene Logsdon.
Survivors: sons, Steve Deem (LaTrenda) and Jack Deem (Suzie); grandchildren, Charles Deem ( Jodi), Jerry Deem (Sanaz), Christine Parisi (Ryan), Amy Hutsell (Aaron), Stephanie Porterfield, and Julie Barhydt (Tyler); great-grandchildren, Madison Deem, Caitlyn Parisi, and Abby and Audrey Barhydt; and several nieces and nephews.
Services: 3:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to First Christian Church or Shriners Hospital for Children. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

 

 

 

Kathryn Milliken
1922-2013

Kathryn “Katie” Guinn Milliken, 91, of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, July 18, 2013 at Abbey Woods Living and Rehab Center.

Katie was born on February 24, 1922 in Gentry, Missouri to Colonel Dave and Bertha Opal (Yadon) Gilland.

She was a nursing assistant for 22 years with Methodist Medical Center until her retirement.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 1st husband, Robert L. “Pete” Guinn, 2nd husband Andrew B. Milliken and brother, Laverne Gilland.

Surviving family includes daughter, Bobbi Moore, grandchildren, Rhonda (Claude) Sisk, Robert (Brandy) Elliott, Jennifer Moore and Jessica (Ricky) Moore-Keller, 8 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and one on the way, sister, Inez Gilland and brother, Charles Gilland.

Graveside services 10:00 AM Monday at Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel.

Visitation will begin after 12:00 Noon Sunday at our chapel, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday evening.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Friends of the Animal Shelter or to M’Shoogy’s Animal Rescue, Savannah, MO.

 

 

 

Wayne G. Murray
1941-2013

Wayne G. Murray, 71, formerly of Kansas City, Missouri died surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
He was born December 3, 1941 to Dale and Lorine (Watts) Murray in Axtell, Kansas.
He was an electrician for Montgomery Ward for over thirty years and served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was also an entrepreneur that was involved in real estate.
Wayne enjoyed hunting and reading westerns. He was the uncle that could fix anything. Wayne was a KC Chiefs fan, K-State fan, and a KU fan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dion Murray; and a brother, Steve Murray.
Survivors: daughter, Stacey (Park) Jason, St. Joseph, Missouri; three grandchildren, Anna, Henry, and Laurel; brothers, Glen Murray (Leslie), Farmington, New Mexico, Gene Murray (Viola), Auburn, Kansas, and Lawrence Murray (Pat), Topeka, Kansas; sisters, Shirley Capps, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Clarabelle Frahm, Pine, Colorado, Violet Howat (Dick), Milford, Nebraska, Lois Wehl (Jim), Manhattan, Kansas, Wanda Edwards (Doug), Holton, Kansas, and Linda Braddock (Duane), Seaside, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services: 10:00 A.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Cowgill Cemetery. The family will receive friends 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. For those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Hands of Hope Hospice, 137 N. Belt Highway, St. Joseph, MO 64506. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

 

 

Opal F. Yates
1914-2013

Opal F. Yates, 98, St. Joseph, Missouri died Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born September 30, 1914 to Harry and Estella McElwain in Rochester, Missouri.
She married Frank Welton Yates in 1939. He preceded her in death in 1957.
Opal was a Principal and teacher in the Saint Joe School District until 1977.
She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by her parents; six sisters; and her only daughter, Betty E. Jackson.
Survivors: grandson, Matthew Jackson (Dana); granddaughter, Sarah Vernon (David); four great-grandchildren; and son-in-law, Bill Jackson.
Graveside Service and Interment: 1:30 P.M. Saturday, Rochester Cemetery, Rochester, Missouri. For those wishing to make a memorial contribution the family requests they be made to the American Cancer Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

 

Julia L. Hoskins
1927-2013

Julia Lee (Cummings) Hoskins, 86, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2013 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.

Julia was born on May 25, 1927 to Worthy Hunter Cummings and Julia Elizabeth (Jeffries) Cummings. She resided in St. Joseph throughout her grade school years, where she attended Neely Elementary School. During her 7th grade year, she and her family moved to Washington, D.C. so her father could help in the war effort by working as a precision builder of Navy Battleships. While in Washington, Julia’s love of music of music and language flourished. Although she already knew how to play the piano, she began studying the harp with one of the city’s most demanding harp teachers. She loved to tell how her instructor did not trust the skills of any of the other area’s harpists, so he played at his own wedding and when finished, ran to the altar to be married. Julia Lee also excelled at languages. She won Washington, D.C.’s city wide French award for outstanding high school students. In addition, she became close friends with her Latin instructor, who even came to visit Julia after she returned to St. Joseph.

When Julia was a junior in high school her family returned to St. Joseph. She attended Central High School and assisted with the chemistry lab. Her study of science paid off. She was named as a Westinghouse Scholar in her senior year. She also received a scholarship to Purdue University. However, she turned it down and attended St. Joseph Junior College so she could remain in St. Joseph close to the love of her life, Raymond Hoskins. She met him while working at her family’s restaurant, The Drive-Inn, on King Hill Avenue. In 1947, they were married. 6 years later, they had their only daughter, Allison Hoskins-Thorne. Allison was the lucky recipient of her mother’s other skills and talents. Julia used her sewing skills to copy many of the fashions of the day for her daughter. In addition, Julia loved to decorate cakes and cookies and utilized this talent as room mother on numerous occasions.

Throughout her life, Julia remained interested in politics, auctions, antiques and anything that her grandchildren did. She was always her family’s staunchest supporter and greatest cheerleader. She never tired of hearing of their adventures and accomplishments. Her loss leaves an overwhelming void in the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Raymond Hoskins and son-in-law, Graham Thorne.

Surviving family includes daughter, Allison Thorne, grandchildren, Blake Thorne and Devon Kariker (William Kariker), great-granddaughter, Sloane Kariker, all of St. Joseph; brother, Worthy Cummings, Jr., of Colorado; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services 1:00 PM Friday, July 19, 2013 at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel.
Interment Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Friday.

 

 

 
Julia Baker
1920-2013

Julia M. Baker, 92, Cosby, Missouri died Sunday, July 14, 2013 at a healthcare facility in King City, Missouri.
She was born August 17, 1920 to Paul and Mammie (Rowlett) Strough in Skidmore, Missouri.
She married Claude C. Baker on June 4, 1938. He preceded her in death on November 16, 1993.
Julia worked side-by-side with her husband on the farm. She liked to quilt and crochet.
She enjoyed going to softball games and played ball with her brother in High School.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Rhonda Baker; sisters, Pauline Raines, Nellie Lininger, and Neva Wynn; and a brother, Fred Strough.
Survivors: daughter, Janet Campbell (Fred), Clarksdale, Missouri; sons, Cecil Baker (Shilah), Fairfax, Missouri; and Danny Baker, Phoenix, Arizona; five grandchildren, Randy Baker, Sean Wilson (Rachel), Kelly Tanner (Jamey), Matthew Campbell (Claudia), and Jessica Campbell; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Faye Money; and brothers, Melvin Strough (Joyce), and Ray Strough.
Special thanks to Kelli Zug and the staff of King City Manor.
Services: 10:00 A.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5:00 P.M. Thursday. The family requests memorial donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

 

 

Rita M. (Meyer) Fisher
1922-2013

Rita M. (Meyer) Fisher, 91, St. Joseph, Missouri died Monday, July 15, 2013 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born February 3, 1922 to John and Ann Meyer in Conception, Missouri.
She married Bernard Dennis Fisher on September 11, 1943. He preceded her in death on September 5, 2004.
Rita was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and had recently began attending Our Lady of Guadalupe.
She enjoyed gardening, dancing, cooking, but most of all she loved her family.
She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Berniece; parents; brothers, Linus and Roger; and sisters, Martha and Amelia.
Survivors: sons, Stephen Fisher (Kay), and Charles Fisher (Linda); daughters, Mary Wahl (Karl), and Kathleen Lund (Garry); seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers, Herman, Stephen and Victor; sisters, Ursula, JoAnn, Gussie and Viola; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 A.M. Saturday, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. Parish Rosary 6:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will receive friends 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5:00 P.M. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Kendallwood Hospice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

 

 
Melisa Miller
1979-2013

Melisa Miller, 33, Faucett, Missouri died Sunday, July 14, 2013 at her home.
She was born September 5, 1979 to Freddie and Dorothy (McDaniel) Miller in N.A.S. Lemoore, California.
Melisa enjoyed movies, reading, knitting, and quilting.
She was preceded in death by her mother.
Survivors: father, Freddie (Kerry), Newport News, Virginia; twin sisters, Anna Wirth (Dustin), Faucett, Missouri, and Annette Wisler (Aaron), Wathena, Kansas; nephews, Ace Wisler and Damon Wirth; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Graveside Service and Interment: 1:00 P.M. Thursday, Halleck Cemetery, Taos, Missouri. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 2:00 P.M. Wednesday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the American Cancer Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.