Bob R. Eckels
1933 – 2013

Bob R. Eckels, 80, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2013, at his home.

Bob was born in Albany, Missouri on March 1, 1933, to John S. and Martha Beatrice (Watts) Eckels. They preceded him in death. He was a member of Ashland United Methodist Church. Bob was a barber and operated Eckels Barber Shop for sixty years.

He married Joyanna “Joy” Severin on February 23, 1952 in Kansas City, MO. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include one son, Gregory Eckels, Platte City, MO; one daughter, Karen Eckels; St. Joseph, MO; two grandchildren, Brandi M. Morris and Morgan B. Kull and one great-granddaughter, Halle Norris.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Private family Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to American Cancer Society or to American Red Cross.

 

 

 

1929 – 2013

Nancy C. Hughes, 83, lifelong resident of St. Joseph, MO, passed away Saturday, July 6, 2013, at Heartland Regional Medical Center.

Nancy was born in St. Joseph on October 15, 1929, to Joseph M. and Elsie Murphy.
She was a graduate of Lafayette High School and worked for Sherwood Medical.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lewis Ray Hughes, two sisters and four brothers.

Nancy is survived by two daughters, Debra K. Grace and April L. Wells, both of St. Joseph, MO; grandchildren, Blaine Wells and Erin (Charley) Cassity; two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Lainey; one sister, Mary Kobett and her beloved dog Patton.

Mrs. Hughes has been cremated under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel in St. Joseph. There will be no visitation or services at the Chapel.

Clarence H. Ketter
1922 – 2013

Clarence H. “Butch” Ketter, 90, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away on Friday, July 5, 2013 at his home.

Clarence was born on October 26, 1922 in Kelly, Kansas to Andrew and Bernadine (Bokern) Ketter.

He served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Clarence was self-employed, first starting a home improvement business, then building and managing insurance and temporary help agencies. He was a member of Cathedral of St. Joseph, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Past Kiwanis, Lions and Past-President of Serra Club.

Clarence married Mary Thelma “Talley” McGrath on November 16, 1944 in St. Joseph, Missouri. She preceded him in death on April 24, 2008. He was also preceded by his parents, one son, Thomas Ketter, and two brothers and one sister.

Survivors who will deeply miss their loving Dad and Papa include five children, Joni Brown, Kansas City, Missouri, Janet Pankau (Mark), Sterling, Virginia, Richard Ketter (Cathy), St. Joseph, Missouri, Robert Ketter (Pam), Topeka, Kansas and Joyce Partin (Bill), Winston-Salem, North Carolina, daughter-in-law, Terry Ketter, Columbus, Nebraska; Eighteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Landon, San Antonio, Texas; and one brother, Verness Ketter, Chillicothe, Missouri.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM Friday, July 12, 2013 at Cathedral of St. Joseph. Entombment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery Mausoleum, St. Joseph. Visitation will begin after 12:00 noon on Thursday. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday, with a Parish Rosary at 7 pm in the Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Cathedral of St. Joseph or Bishop LeBlond High School.

Alvin Dean Hoover
1930-2013

Alvin Dean Hoover, 83, formerly of Rushville, Missouri died Sunday, July 7, 2013 at Putnam County Care Center.
He was born April 26, 1930 to Hammond J. and Mary (Gardner) Hoover in Delia, Kansas.
Alvin graduated from Dekalb High School in 1948. Alvin served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict in the 25th Medical Battallion as a Front Line Medic.
He married Beulah Jean Smith on December 24, 1950. Alvin worked for Affiliated Foods as a Grocery Warehouse Supervisor until he retired in July 1994.
Alvin was a member of Rushville Christian Church, where he was also a Deacon. He was also in the Lions Club, VFW Post 1668, and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.
He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and was a collector of just about anything. He was noted for his extensive snow village set with over 150 pieces. Alvin was an avid genealogist, tracing his ancestry back to England and Germany in the 1770’s. He dearly loved his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Raphael D. Hoover; grandson, Tanner L. Baines; and great-grandson, Revan Baines.
Survivors: wife; daughter, Kathy Conley (Darrell); son, Eric Hoover (Rhonda); four grandchildren, Ashley (Baines) Bottorff (Rick), Sydney and Madison Hoover, and Meeka Conley (Steve); and great-grandchildren, Lane, Dylan, Noah, and Riley Botorff.
Services: 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5:00 P.M. Tuesday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the Disabled American Veterans’ or Rushville Christian Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Donald E. Moss
1925-2013

Donald E. Moss, 87, St. Joseph, Missouri died Saturday, July 6, 2013 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
He was born September 15, 1925 to David and Anna (Steinacker) Moss in St. Joseph, Missouri.
He married Juanita Leaverton on August 8, 1953. She survives of the home that they moved into in 1964.
Donald worked for KFEQ and KQTV as an Electronic Engineer for thirty-five years, retiring as Chief Engineer in 1990.
Mr. Moss was a member of Ashland United Methodist Church, Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity, American Bowling Congress, St. Joseph Men’s Bowling Association, and Society of Broadcast Engineers. He was also a member of The Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ Kansas City Local and the St. Joseph Boating Association, where he raced B class boats on Lake Contrary.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors: wife; daughter, Theresa A. Hoffman (Alan), Bellevue, Nebraska.
Services: 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Mount Auburn Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5:00 P.M. Tuesday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Ashland United Methodist Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Virginia L. McCormick
1920-2013

Virginia L. McCormick age 92, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away peacefully at Carriage Square Health Care Center July 4, 2013, where she has lived for the last year. She was born December 14, 1920, to Rosco and Hazel (Leonard) Reynolds in Maysville, Missouri. Virginia graduated from Plattsburg High School, attended Northwest Missouri State University, and moved to California for a brief period of time to support the World War II war effort. She was married to Glenn McCormick for sixty-two years, and they reared their two children in Plattsburg, Missouri, where he was a conservation agent for Clinton and DeKalb Counties. Virginia worked at the ASCS Office in Plattsburg for a number of years. They moved to St. Joseph, Missouri in 1986 where Virginia enjoyed being a part of Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church, Traveling Gals, and New Neighbors.
Besides her family, she loved her pets, nature, baking and crafts. Virginia enjoyed life and maintained her good sense of humor until the very end.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn in 2009; parents, Rosco Reynolds and Hazel Reynolds-Pearson; brothers, Jackie Jr., Thomas Guy, and Leonard Alva Reynolds; and granddaughter, Melody Dawn Kuhs.
Survivors include: daughter, Glennette Kuhs (Don), of Texas; son, Greg McCormick, of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Crystal Reynolds (John), of Texas and Caitlyn Kuhs, of Indiana; great-grandchild, John Austin Reynolds IV, of Texas; sister-in-law, Julie Reynolds, of Missouri; nephews, Neal Reynolds, of Missouri and Thomas Gary Reynolds, of Iowa; and niece, Jill Reynolds-Blankenship, of Missouri.
Services: 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 10, Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church. Services under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
James “Cliff” Melton
1935-2013
James Clifton “Cliff” Melton, 78, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2013 at a local health care facility.
Cliff was born January 16, 1935 to James Carl and Pearl (Dwyer) Melton in Nixa, MO. He was raised in the Joplin, MO area, and graduated from Duenweg High School in Duenweg, MO. For many years he resided in the Southern Missouri area, moving to St. Joseph in 1976. On September 12, 1965 he married Omega “Mickie” White in Poplar Bluff, who preceded him in death. Cliff was a Christian. He was an avid coin collector, but his passion was music, playing bass for many groups over the years. He also managed several cafeterias in the Southern Missouri area.
Preceding him in death are his parents; his wife; brother, Darrell Melton and sister, Sylvia Matson.
Survivors include children, Michael “Douglas” (Therese) Melton and Teresa (Todd) Bilecki; five step-children; brother, Robert Melton; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Clark-Sampson Funeral Home with Chaplain Angie Cluck officiating. Interment following Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Kendallwood Hospice.
Obituary and condolences at www.clarksampson.com

Melvin Sweet, Jr.
1922-2013

Melvin Sweet, Jr., 90, St. Joseph, Missouri died Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at his home.
He was born on September 13, 1922 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Addie and Melvin Sweet Sr.
He married Doris Ozenberger on April 30, 1944. She preceded him in death on September 27, 1987. He then married Mary Lee Wilson on June 12, 1989. She survives of the home.
Melvin was the owner of Sweet Electric Company for fifty years and was a member of St. Paul Lutheran. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and gardening.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Harold Sweet; two sisters; two brothers; and a granddaughter, Veronica Campbell.
Survivors: children, David (Colleen), Mary Ann, Wayne, Austin Wilson (Laura), Mary Alice Hill (Dave), Diane Smith; daughter-in-law, Karen Sweet; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services: 1:00 P.M. Saturday, St. Paul Lutheran Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5:00 P.M., Friday. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Luella M. Schindler
1920-2013

Luella M. Schindler, 92, Cosby, Missouri died Sunday, June 30, 2013 at her home.
She was born August 27, 1920 to Edward and Sophia (Romang) Schneider in Cosby, Missouri.
She married Kenneth Schindler on October 18, 1941. He preceded her in death on February 28, 2010.
Mrs. Schindler worked for Sam’s Floral and Park Floral as a designer for over twenty years. While her husband was in the service in Florida, she found a job as a cosmetologist in a hotel.
Luella was a member and served on the council at Hope United Church of Christ. She was also a member of Cosby Chapter #145, Order of the Eastern Star. She taught Sunday school for many years and was involved in Women’s Fellowship.
She was active in the Avenue City PTA and was a leader in 4-H. She enjoyed flower gardening, baking, and was a homemaker.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Herman, Carl, Oliver, and Leo Schneider; sisters, Lillie Schnuelle, Mattie Schneider, and Anna Marie Hart; and a great-granddaughter, Adalyn Schindler.
Survivors: sons, Douglas Schindler (Joyce), Delaware, and David Schindler (Susan), Kansas City, Missouri; daughter, Glenda McDonnell (Chuck), Rochester, Minnesota; grandchildren, Gina Kerr (Bill), Indiana, Zac Schindler (Lauren), Delaware, Bart Schindler (Vanessa Uckar), Philadelphia, Kelly Schindler (Chad Bloss), Liberty, Missouri, Amy Lane (Curt), Kansas City, Missouri, Ryan McDonnell (Heidi), Chanhassen, Minnesota, Craig McDonnell, Minneappolis, Minnesota, and Kevin McDonnell, Corvallis, Oregon; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services: 10:00 A.M. Saturday, Hope United Church of Christ. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5:00 P.M., Friday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Hope United Church of Christ, 19999 State Hwy W, Cosby, Missouri, 64436. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 
Grayson “Peanut” Parton
2013-2013

Grayson “Peanut” Parton, Kansas City, Missouri went to heaven on June 30, 2013 after a struggle with Noonan Syndrome.
He was born April 3, 2013.
He was a wonderful little boy who was strong willed and had beautiful blue eyes. Before he was born, he made his mother crave chocolate milkshakes, but no veggies. He hated everything green just like his father. He loved his stuffed animals and listening to his sisters sing to him. He was our little warrior who made all of our lives richer during the time we had with him. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Services: 3:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory to help defray funeral expenses. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

 

Edna E. Gierach
1920-2013

Edna E. Gierach, 93, St. Joseph, Missouri died Saturday, June 15, 2013 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born May 11, 1920 to James A. and Minnie (Gresset) Worthy.
She married John W. (Jack) Gierach, who preceded her in death on May 12, 1970.
She was a Secretary for the manager of Sears of Mentor, Ohio for fifteen years. Mrs. Gierach was an avid swimmer. She performed and coached synchronized swimming for twenty-seven years.
Edna enjoyed organizing rides for Road to Recovery of cancer patients and was active at the YMCA in Painesville, Ohio. She was also a member of Brookdale Presbyterian Church, where she volunteered at Mark Twain Elementary school in their reading program.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; grandson, Dan J. Dzubay; brothers, James Worthy and Earl Worthy; and sister, Dora Sweeney.
Survivors: daughter, Lee Stock (Leo) St. Joseph, Missouri; son, John L. Gierach (Susan McCann) Lyons, Colorado; grandson, James A. Dzubay; great-grandchildren, Daniel J. Dzubay, Serenity J. Dzubay, and Thadd A. Lewis; and nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service: 10:30 A.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be sent to Hands of Hope Hospice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Delma Burton
1916-2013

Delma F. Burton, 97, Gower, Missouri passed away, June 29, 2013.
She was born in Platte County.
She had been active at Wyatt Park Baptist Church, Huffman quilting group, The Stamper Club, and was a 4-H Leader.
Delma was preceded in death by her parents, B.L. and Eve Paul; husband, Robert Burton; sister, Marge Jane Gerlt; brother, Desmond Paul; granddaughter, Mary Ellen Burton; and son-in-law, Dan Strombom. Survivors: two children, Norma Strombom and Charlie Steele, Gower, Missouri, and Robert and Ann Burton, Easton, Missouri; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren..
Graveside Services and Interment: 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family requests no flowers. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 
Francis L. “Bugs” Wells
1946-2013

Francis L. “Bugs” Wells, 66, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday, June 29, 2013 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
He was born November 15, 1946 to Charles A. and Opal M. (McGlothin) Wells in St. Joseph, Missouri.
He graduated from Central High School, class of 1965. He later earned an associate’s degree from St. Joseph Junior College.
Bugs married Judy Roberts on July 20, 1971. She survives of the home.
He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He later worked as an over the road truck driver for Interstate Distribution and M.N.X.
Bugs was a truly wonderful husband, father and grandfather that would do anything for anyone. He was the rock of the family and will be forever missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Sam Wells; and Little Granny.
Survivors: wife, Judy Wells; and daughters, Rebecca Buckingham (Robert Cleveland), Rhonda Townsend, Nancy Burley (Danny) and Angela Wells; sisters, Helen Schultz and Betty Presnell; brother, Ivan Wells; sister-in-law, Suzie Wells; grandchildren raised by their grandparents, Hunter Boydston and Morgan Wells; Additional grandchildren, Corey Griswold, Kayla Richardson, Larissa Smith, Tommy Burley; Jessica Burley, Bret Wells, Ashley Smith; Raymond Younger, Jr., Jeffery Younger and Serenity Burley; six great-grandchildren, Blaze, Jaidence, Synciere, Shane, Keeley and Curtesy; and numerous adoptive children and grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Services: 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, Copeland Baptist Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5:00 P.M. Tuesday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Copeland Baptist Church or the Headstart Program. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.