ST. JOSEPH – Thomas Bireline, 57, died Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
He was born July 10, 1956 to Frank and Irene (Dimmick) Bireline in Lewis, Kan. He participated in Special Olympics and especially enjoyed swimming. He loved going on outings with his group home. He enjoyed music, especially Christmas carols as Christmas was his favorite holiday.
He was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, Frank L. Bireline (Eleanor); and maternal grandparents, Ira Dimmick (Eva).
Survivors: sister, Ruth Bireline, St. Joseph; aunt, Lovelle Wood, Snohomish, Wash.; and numerous cousins.
Services: 3 p.m. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory, where friends may call after 5 p.m. Sunday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the Special Olympics. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

STILLWELL, Kan. – Warren C. Tiley, 59, died Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Truman Medical Center.
He was born October 20, 1954 to John and Agnes (Kennedy) Tiley in Chambersburg, Penn. He was preceded in death by his father.
Survivors: mother, Agnes Tiley, St. Joseph; and sister, Sharon Tiley, Overland Park, Kan.
Services: 1 p.m. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial dontations to be made to American Heart Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Theodore Joseph “Ted” Yackie, III, went to his heavenly home with the Angels on January 21, 2014.
He was born on February 17, 1968 in St. Joseph. He was the son of Theodore J. Jr, and Sharon (Pohl) Yackie of St. Joseph. He lived the first ten years of his life on north 3rd St., then moved to Amazonia, Mo., where he attended school, then graduated from Savannah High School.
He was a semi-truck driver for K.A.R.S. Trucking and also a former driver for Midwest Scrap Trucking of St. Joseph.
Theodore was a member of the Savannah Avenue Baptist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was also a member of the St. Joseph C B Club. His handle was Teddy Bear.
He was preceded in death by his father; and grandparents, Charley and Gladys Pohl of Amazonia.
Survivors: mother; two daughters, Heather Yackie and Melanie Yackie of the home; sister, Theresa Hunt, St. Joseph; two nieces, Ashley Yackie and Caitlyn Hunt, St. Joseph; nephew, Brandon Wilson, St. Joseph; one great-nephew, Ayden Colley; two great-nieces, Kloe Yackie and Brittany Wilson; step-niece, Jennie Hunt; girlfriend of 17 years, Deanna Bittick; step-daughter, Shannon Bittick-Belk; two grandchildren, K’jwan Belk and Azzayan Belk; and many close friends and relatives.
Care provided by Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Inurnment St. John’s Cemetery, Amazonia. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the family to help defray funeral expenses. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com

HOPKINS, Mo. – Roger Neal Langley, 53, died Wednesday, January 22, 2014, at his home in Hopkins.
Roger was born April 7, 1960, in Maryville, Mo., to Ivan and Kerlin Yvonne (Dougan) Langley.
A 1978 graduate of Maryville High School, he attended Vatterrott College and was a production lineman at Energizer Battery Corporation.
Preceding Roger in death were his father, Ivan Langley and brother, Michael Langley.
Survivors include his two sons, Colten Langley, Canal Winchester, Ohio and Colby Pankau; grandson, Jaxson Pankau; mother, Kerlin Davis; step-father, Gene Davis; brother, Alan Langley; and sister, Donna (Lonnie)Tompkins, all of
Maryville; nephew, Josh Gilbert, Springfield Mo.; special friend, Lacy Miller, Hopkins; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 28, 2014, Price Funeral Home, Maryville. Memorial Services: 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 28, 2014, Price Funeral Home. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Roger Langley Memorial, c/o Price Funeral Home, 120 East First Street, Maryville, MO 64468.

AMAZONIA, Mo. – Mary Irene Wright, 62, passed away Friday January 24, 2014 at her home after a second courageous battle with cancer. She was born November 20, 1951 in Palo Alto, Calif., and the daughter of Margaret and George Herring.
She married Mike Wright on December 18, 1969, in Savannah, Mo., and they shared 45 years together. She attended Lafayette High School, and worked as a care giver and nurse aide at the Missouri Methodist Hospital and LaVerna Village, where she retired in 1998. She was a proud 15 year survivor of breast cancer before succumbing a second time. Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother to her sons and her cherished grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by husband, Mike Andrew Wright of the home; two sons, George M. (Penny) Wright, and Eric S. (Betsy) Wright both of St. Joseph; grandson, Hayden Wright; granddaughter, Paige Wright; two sisters, Connie (Danny) Johnson of St. Joseph; and Judy Edwards of Albany, Mo.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday evening to celebrate Mary’s Life. She has been cremated under the care of Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Mary Wright memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

SAVANNAH, Mo. – Linda Ann Ruddicks, 66, died Tuesday January 21, 2014. Born August 22, 1947 in St. Joseph. Preceded in death by her parents; Thomas and Blanche Meyer; two brothers, Tom Jr., and Dennis Meyer; sister, Donna M. Edwards.
Survivors: husband, Billy Ruddicks; friend, Gwen Kloepper of St. Joseph.
Cremation by Rupp Funeral Home. There are no scheduled visitation or memorial services at this time. Memorials are requested to the Linda Ruddicks memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

ST. JOSEPH – Delbert Doniel Thornton, 68, died Monday, January 20, 2014. at a St. Joseph Hospital.
He was born June 15, 1945 in Ohio. Served in Navy during Vietnam.
Survivors include: friend, Kathy (Marvin) TeWinkle; children, Christopher, Robert, and Melissa Thornton; four brothers and three sisters.
Cremation by Rupp Funeral Home. There are no scheduled visitation or memorial services at this time. Memorials are requested to the Delbert Thornton memorial fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

ST. JOSEPH – David Gene “Bunkie” DeSpain, Sr., 78, passed peacefully into Heaven on Thursday, January 16, 2014 surrounded by his family at home where he wanted to be.
David fell head over heels with Barbara Joanne (Slater) DeSpain, the love of his life and they shared 60 years together. She survives of the home. In April 1952 at the age of 17, David enlisted in the Marine Corp. and proudly served his country during the Korean War. During his military career he received the National Defense Medal, United States Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Expert Rifleman Medal, Expert Marksman Medal, and a prestigious Presidential Unit Citation. He was honorably discharged in April 1955.
David attended Northwest Missouri State University receiving degrees in business management and pre-law. David worked in the management profession until his retirement in 1988. He was a trouble shooter and innkeeper for the Holiday Inn Hotel chain for several years, was the first manager of the Bode Ice Arena, and the last manager for the Hotel Roubidoux. Upon his retirement, he opened the Collector’s Emporium which specialized in antiques and collectables with his son David Jr.
His hobbies included jewelry making, watching British mysteries, collecting stamps and coins, going to the casino, eating at Cracker Barrel, traveling, and holding hands with his wife. David loved the holidays and enjoyed having the responsibility of baking the pumpkin pies on Thanksgiving. He was teased about burning them and looked forward to it every year.
David loved his family and they were the most important thing to him. He made sure every day that they knew it. He had ways of making every family member feel special in their own individual way.
He would call his children and grandchildren on their birthdays to sing happy birthday and would do so in the worst out of tune singing voice he could. He never missed a birthday and even added some because he enjoyed it so much.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and highlighted that with adventures of hunting for the Keeblers and Goonie Rabbit with his grandchildren. David taught his family many life lessons one of which was to appreciate the importance of Pogiebait (junk food).
He was preceded in death by his parents, David Lewis and Reva Margaret (Sebille) DeSpain; two brothers, Alfred “Sonny” DeSpain and Richard “Dick” DeSpain; and son, Christopher Lee.
Survivors: wife; sons, David Gene Jr., Mark Scott, and Michael Charles (Leslie); daughters, Cynthia Susan Martin (Mike) and Elizabeth Anne White; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; great-great-granddaughter; his baby sister, Audrey Marie Colwell; several nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Virginia DeSpain; brother-in-laws, Richard Slater (Janet) and John Forest; and his buddy, Admiral, his pug.
Services: 1 p.m., Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment Helena Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory, where friends may call after 5 p.m. Monday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the Noyes Home. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com

TRENTON, Mo. – Kathryn (Kay) Louise Collins Watkins, 85, joined the Lord surrounded by her family January 18, 2014. Born to Arthur and Mildred Collins (Elliott) on the family farm east of Trenton, Missouri, she graduated from Trenton High School in 1946 and attended Fayette College in Fayette, Mo.
Kay married Louis (Lou) C. Watkins of Trenton on January 26, 1947. To this union were born seven children: Greg (Gayle), Hurst, Texas; David (Linda), Blaine, Minn.; Mark (Carol), Maryville; Linda Akins, Maryville; Lori Wymore (Mark), Liberty, Mo., Lisa Watkins, Maryville, Missouri; and Lanette Grubb (Jeff), St. Joseph.
After they married they moved to Maryville, where Louis graduated from Northwest Missouri State Teachers College. In 1948 they moved to Newton, Iowa, where Kay was the organist at the First Baptist Church. They moved to Maryville in 1957 where they opened Watkins True Value Hardware.
Kay’s love for the Lord led her to assume many active roles in her church. She was the local area president of the Women’s Missionary Union, leader of the Girls in Action, vacation Bible school leader, Sunday school teacher, pianist and organist, and organizer of the International Students Banquet. She also assumed the role of Den Mother for the local Cub Scouts. While doing all of these things she also supported Lou working in the hardware.
Kay always had an open heart and an open home to the family and the community, providing a constant Christ-like example to those around her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Richard Collins, and son-in-law Gary Kirtley.
She is survived by her husband Lou; seven children; 55 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; and brother, Donald and his wife Dee.
Visitation is Tuesday, January 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Maryville. Funeral Services are 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, also at the church. Burial is in the Rural Dale Cemetery, Trenton. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the Building Fund at First Baptist Church, Maryville.

ST. JOSEPH – Donna Jean Dennis, 56, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2014 in Saint Joseph, at a St. Joseph Hospital. She was born November 27, 1957 in St. Joseph, daughter of Betty Ann and Fred Dennis Sr.
She graduated from Lafayette High School and was working at Hillshire Farms (formerly Sara Lee). She enjoyed taking care of people, and was a Christian. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; a great nephew, Ethan Swett; a great niece, Baylee Martin; and two brother-in-laws, Ronnie Parton, and Earl Vandgrift.
Survivors include, two brothers, Fred Dennis Jr. and wife Cindy of Rosendale, Mo., and David W. Dennis of St. Joseph; five sisters, Virginia Grippando and husband David, Phyllis Wood, and husband Robert all of St. Joseph; Eva May Wood and husband Frank, Neva Kay Vandgrift all of Clarksdale; and Kathy Edwards and husband Tommie of St. Joseph; close friends, Bill and Maureen Reid of St. Joseph; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., on Tuesday with a funeral service to be conducted at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at Rupp Funeral Home. The Inurnment will be at the Ashland Cemetery Friday. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

ST. JOSEPH – Regina Joan Erickson, 76, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2014 in a St. Joseph health care center. She was born March 11, 1937 in St. Joseph, daughter of Musetta and John Erickson. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church. Regina was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Rose Gosney.
Survivors include four nieces, Cindy Clements of Barnard, Mo., Annie Gosney of St. Joseph, Debbie Sullivan of Liberty, Mo., and Terri Joyce of Union, Mo.; and a nephew, John Joyce of Washington, Mo.
Graveside Memorial service and inurnment will be held at a later date. Miss Erickson has been cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Frances Beatrice Hart, 85, Maryville, Missouri, died Saturday, January 18,
2014, at St Francis Hospital.
Fran was born April 12, 1928, in Bedison, Mo., to Jesse and Gladys Reynolds Lame. She was a graduate of Grant City High School and earned her teaching certificate at Northwest Missouri State Teachers College. Before marriage she taught school and after marriage worked as an LPN.
Fran married Leon Hart February 10, 1947, in Troy, Kan. She was a member of the Laura Street Baptist Church in Maryville.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Leon Hart; daughter, Elaine Glotfelty; and son, Alan Hart.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan Vore; grandson, Kelly Vore both of Maryville; and four great-grandchildren Derrick, Shelby, Dylan and Dawson Vore.
Funeral Services will be 1:30 p.m., Thursday, January 23, 2014, at Price Funeral Home, Maryville, with burial in Prairie Chapel Cemetery, Denver, Mo. There will be no formal visitation. Memorials may be made to Laura Street Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society. www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com

ST. JOSEPH – Harold L. Jones, 78, died Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
He was born February 23, 1935 to Ethel Eugenia Ball in Osceola, Mo. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1953 and worked at the Missouri State Hospital as an engineer, where he later retired.
Harold married Susan Lewis on September 6, 1963. She survives of the home. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, VFW Post 1668 and Knights of Columbus. He had a passion for all seasons of sports, and never missed a game or practice for his children and grandchildren.
Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his mother; and sister, Capitola Giseburt.
Additional Survivors: daughter, Lisa Jones, St. Joseph; son, LTC David Jones (Becky), St. Joseph; grandchildren, Alexander Giffin (Elizabeth), Amelia Scalise, Brycen Jones, Noah, Samuel, Alli and Sarah Jones; great-grandson, Landon Giffin; brothers, Floyd (Pat) Jones, Norman (Marilyn) Jones and Bill (Vicki) Jones; sister, Mary (Dean) Rethemeyer; and an abundance of nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial: 1 p.m., Wednesday, St. Patrick Catholic Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Parish Rosary 6 p.m. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

SAVANNAH, Mo. – Darline Hendricks, 90, was born on July 27, 1923, to Henry and Josie Jackson Sweigert in Rosendale, Mo.
Darline graduated from Rosendale High School in 1941 and married Kenneth Lee Hendricks in that same year. They were married for 50 years before his passing in 1992. Darline and Kenneth were engaged in farming before moving to Mound City, Mo., in 1959. In 1961, Darline became a cashier at the local grocery store in Mound City where she worked for 28 years. She was a member of the First Christian Church and the Order of the Eastern Star.
As an avid reader, Darline was a regular at the city library. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and spending time with her family. She was a loving mother and grandmother who had a playful nature that made them all smile. “Mimi” will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.
Darline was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a brother, Floyd Sweigert; son-in-law, Gary Rowlett; and great-grandson, Robert Fierros.
Survivors include four children, Larry (Gwen) Hendricks, Easton, Mo.; Darla Rowlett, Savannah; Joella Mehrhof, Emporia, Kan.; and Joyce Clark, St. Joseph; six grandchildren, Clifton (Angie) Rowlette, Clark (Heather) Rowlette, St. Joseph; Christina (Ted) Fierros, Savannah; Lori Hendricks, Michelle (Mike) Ritter, and Josie Clark, all of St. Joseph; 12 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and two step-sisters, Luella Gallinger, Kearney, Mo., and Joy Ozretich, Streeter, Ill.
Services: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Pettijohn and Crawford Family Funeral Service. Interment Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mound City Nutrition Site. Online guest book and obituary at www.pettijohncrawford.com.

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Eugene R. Doran, passed away on January 15, 2014 at his home.
Gene was born January 20, 1924 in Clyde, Mo. to William and Agnes (McCann) Doran. He married Patricia L. Schuster on February 26, 1949. They were married 64 years.
After graduating from Horace Mann High School, he attended NWMSU for 2 years until enlisting in the US Navy July 9,1943 and began pilot training. After training at multiple air stations, he was designated a Naval Aviator on February 14, 1945. He became Aircraft Carrier certified on the Solomon’s Island carrier based in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, flying TBF Grumman Avenger torpedo bombers. He was discharged November 6,1945 as Lieutenant (J.G.).
Following military service, Gene returned to farming in 1945 where he retired in 1980. He was a lifelong member of the St. Gregory Catholic Church and the Men’s Forum, Maryville.
Eugene is survived by his wife, Patricia of the home; son, Mark Stephen Doran (Gretchen) Cape Coral, Fla.; daughter, Nancy Doran Cobb (George) Kansas City, Mo.; grandchildren Ryan Doran (Danielle) Broadview Heights, Ohio; Jeremy Doran (Lauren), Granville, Ohio; Robert Doran (Kristyn) Chesapeake, Virginia and Cambrin Cobb of Kansas City. Eugene is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren; Madison Doran, Broadview Heights, Ohio; Gavyn Doran & Holden Doran, Chesapeake, Virginia; and Rylee Doran, Granville, Ohio.
Other surviving family members include 2 brothers, James (Esther) Joplin, Missouri; Charles (Maxine) Tipton, Indiana; and 1 sister, Mary Lou Gilbert, Tipton, Indiana.
Eugene was preceded in death by 2 brothers William B. Doran, Jr. and Marvin R. Doran.
A Parish Rosary will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, January 18, 2014, at St. Gregorys Catholic Church with a visitation following at 1:30 PM.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 2 p.m., St Gregorys Catholic Church with inurnment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Maryville, following the Mass.
A graveside Military Service will be provided by James Edward Gray, American Legion Post #100, Maryville, Missouri.
Memorials may be made to St. Gregory’s School or SSM Hospice and Homecare Foundation, Maryville, Missouri in Eugene’s name. Arrangements: Price Funeral Home www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com

AMES, Iowa – Marvin A. Stout, 91, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2014 at the home of his son in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born August 6, 1922 in Winterset, Iowa, son of Clyde and Byrd Stout. He graduated from high school then served in the United State Navy and is a veteran of the World War II. He worked at Iowa State University as a printer and he also farmed. He was a member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church and the VFW Post # 6760.
Marvin was preceded in death by wife, Helen Stout; his parents; a son, Matt Stout,; and daughter, Susie Stout.
Survivors include three sons, Wayne Stout of Ames; Ted Stout of Des Moines; and Bill Stout and wife Flori of Winterset; three foster children; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., on Friday, January 17, 2014 at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ben Mulford officiating. Interment will be at the Ebenezer Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Ebenezer United Methodist Church. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

PICKERING, Mo. – Randy Alvin Emery, 54, died Monday, January 13, 2014 at St Francis Hospital, Maryville, Mo. Randy was born September 8, 1959 in Maryville, to Elmer Alvin and Ethel Clair (Mosslander) Emery.
Randy was a member of the Laura Street Baptist Church, Maryville. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include four brothers: Chet Ross, Beatrice, Neb., Rick Emery, Pickering, Gary Emery, New Hampton, Mo., John Emery, Fairfax, Mo.; three sisters, Bonnie Stevens, Beatrice, Sheryl Carter, Maryville and Linda Koehler, San Antonio, Texas.
Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2014, at the Price Funeral Home Chapel with interment in hite Oak Cemetery, Pickering. Arrangements through Price Funeral Home www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com

ST. JOSEPH – Robert M. Lindsay, Jr., 81, died Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at a local healthcare facility.
He was born December 11, 1932 to Robert Sr. and Mildred (Lyndon) Lindsay in St. Joseph, and graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1950. Robert was a member of the United States Navy/Naval Reserve for 12 years from February 1950 to December 1962.
Robert married Gertrude Curran on October 16, 1954 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Easton, Mo. He was employed by the St. Joseph News Press and Gazette Company for 53 years working as a Pressman, Press-room Superintendent and retiring as the Director of Purchasing, Production and Circulation. While working as a Pressman Robert served as the President of Printing Pressman’s Union Local 15.
Robert served as President of the Metro Users Group, a national News Paper Industry Trade Group. Robert spoke at many Newspaper Industry User Group meetings both nationally and internationally. Robert also served as the president of the Kiwanis Club of St. Joseph from 1991-1992.
He was a member of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, St, Joseph Chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and was active in Christian Brothers Class of 1950.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Gertrude. Survivors: daughter, Janet Beger (Steve), Overland Park, Kan.; son, Jim Lindsay (Sandy), St. Joseph; six grandchildren, Gena, Emily, Rob and Michael Lindsay, Lindsay and Daniel Beger; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10 a.m. Thursday, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. Parish Rosary 6 p.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory, where friends may call after 5 p.m., Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Anne Reed Gray, 86, died Monday, January 13, 2014 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born July 28, 1927 to Elliott Newton Reed and Mary Ewing Reed in Hartboro, Penn. She married Joseph L. Gray on April 12, 1947 at Saint Joseph Cathedral by Monsignor Ruggle. In 1952 she and Joe co-founded Gray Manufacturing with his father Joseph Herman Gray. She was most proud of her marriage of 66 years. Together they raised eight children. Anne was a very dedicated wife and loving mother.
Anne was a volunteer for League of Women Voters where she worked on the Public Accommodations Bill to secure the equal rights in Saint Joseph, Cathedral PTA council and served as president for one year, and was active in Audubon. She also volunteered at Squaw Creek as a docent to with Joe and hosted Audubon bird counts at her home on Sanctuary Trail. She was a church librarian at First Presbyterian Church, a Patron of the Saint Joseph Symphony, Allied Arts Council, Performing Arts and Missouri Western College. She was also a Meals on Wheels and Food Kitchen volunteer.
She organized and painted murals for Patee Hall, Noyes Home, and UCP for the children. She was also a volunteer with the Panel of American Women, National organization of Women (N.O.W.) and hosted the initial fundraiser for the Watchtower at Missouri Western.
With local artists, Mrs. Gray also painted murals at St. Joseph’s Interview Center at Noyes Home, Patee Hall’s Youth Health Center Playroom, United Cerebral Palsy and Albert Kost’s mural design for the Junior College Conference Room at Missouri Western State College.
Her hobbies included, boating with Joseph. They boated in Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico. Hit every major river from the Columbia to the Hudson, up the Champlaine Canal to Lake Champlaine, Inland Waterways on the West Coast and along both coasts of Florida and several of the great lakes.
She loved painting and had over 42 hours of credits at Missouri Western (mostly painting). After the age of 50, she took lessons from Al Kost, Cheryl Symonis and Elenore Thomas with her friends. She painted as a professional Artist and participated in art shows and won many awards for her work.
Traveling all of the states in the United States except Maine. Antarctica, Falkland Islands, Hawaii, numerous European countries, Alaska, Canada, Siberia, and the Commander Islands, The North Sea, Japan and South Korea, Mexico, Six Countries in Central America, The Galapagos Islands, The Windward Islands. She was a member of the Western Gateway Questers Club Chapter #1066, Reading Book Clubs and Poetry, Tennis, Bridge and Board Games.
She loved jigsaw puzzles and always hid the last piece for herself. She took water Aerobics at the YMCA
She was the last survivor of “the Jolly Girls,” a close circle of girlfriends met regularly and grew from young mothers to grandmothers. Also called “Fertile Myrtles” and “Menopausal-Minnies.”
She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters and their husbands, Mary Lina Luddy, Phyllis Feeney and Doris Barton; and daughter-in-law, Laurie Gray (Paul).
Survivors: eight children, 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; Pete Gray (Staci), their three sons, Zachary, Alec and Mitchell; Reed Gray, Eugene, Oregon, and daughter, Ellen Gray; Jo Anne Grey (Marty), St. Joseph; their three daughters, Alexis Grey Christensen (Bill), Kirkland, Wash.; two sons, Toren and Finn; Alison Welch (Dave); three sons, Oliver, Gus and Geno Smith; Laura Kenny (Sean), York, Penn.; Laura Dunn (RG), Liberty, Mo.; Paul Gray, Lorida, Fla.; Mark C. Gray, Paola, Kan.; three children, Sky Gray (Chelsea), Gardner, Kan., Phoebe Gray, Overland Park, Kan., and Kai Gray, St. Joseph; Matt Gray, Columbia, Mo.; and Susie and Richard Mastio, Laramie, Wyo.
Services: 10 a.m., Saturday, First Presbyterian Church. For those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to MWSU Scholarship Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice. Services under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Frances May (Singleton) Ballinger, 94, died Monday, January 13, 2014 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born February 2, 1919 to Warren and Grace (Shell) Singleton in St. Joseph. She was a lifetime resident of St. Joseph and was a graduate of Central High School. Frances married Leland Francis Ballinger on June 17, 1939. They were married 65 years. He preceded her in death on December 30, 2004.
Mrs. Ballinger was employed at the Missouri Methodist Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, and the Thompson Brumm and Knepper Clinic. She was a former member of Mitchell Park Christian Church but attended Ashland United Methodist Church.
She was also preceded in death by her parents. Survivors: daughters, Beverly Dewey (Mike), St. Joseph, and Linda Arnoldy (Phillip), Overland Park, Kan.
Services: 1 p.m., Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment Mount Auburn Cemetery. 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 Heartland Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

EL PASO, Texas – Peggy J. Benton, 88, formerly of St. Joseph, died Sunday, January 12, 2014 at her home in El Paso.
She was born November 12, 1925 to Alexander and Anita (Lemonier) Kernes in St. Joseph. She married Robert Edwin Benton on February 1, 1947. He survives of the home.
Peggy graduated from Benton High School in St. Joseph. She was a member of Grace Life TV Church and a homemaker that enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and eight brothers and sisters.
Additional Survivors: children, Robert David Benton (Jum), Ronald Benton (Debbie), Annette Perez (Doug) and Timothy Benton; twelve grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services: 10 a.m., Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory, where friends may call after 5 p.m., Thursday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Gracelive TV. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com

ST. JOSEPH – Elisha Marie Palma, 41, passed away Monday, January 13, 2014 at her home in Saint Joseph, after a brief illness. She was born May 24, 1972 in Omaha, Neb. She graduated from Benton high school and was a homemaker. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church, and attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Elisha was preceded in death by her birth mother, Debra Escamilla. Survivors include parents, Peter and Carmen (Rivera) Palma of St. Joseph; a son, Jesse Kochenderfer; and a daughter, Madeline Kochenderfer of St. Joseph; companion, Delfino Carreon of Home; and his children Cody, Sonny and Kevin Carreon; five brothers, Rick (Lynn) Palma of St. Joseph; Peter J. (Sue) Palma III of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Valdemar Flores; Luis Ramos Jr.; and Aicardo Ramos all of Omaha, Neb.; and a sister, Dr. Tina Flores-Schechinger of Glidden, Iowa.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 17, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Fr. Jeffrey Jambon Celebrant. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7:30 p.m., on Thursday and the Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m., at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Elisha Palma Memorial fund. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

ST. JOSEPH – Arthur M. Dobson, 92, died Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at a local healthcare facility.
He was born August 9, 1921 to Sumner and Thankful (Nicholson) Dobson in Riverside, Calif. He married Juanita Edith Sherman. She preceded him death.
Arthur worked for the City of St. Joseph in the Parks Department and later as a Security officer for Wells Fargo. He was a member of the VFW Post #6760. Arthur proudly served in the United States Army and Air Force and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Barbara Foster and Sharon Penland; and granddaughter, Gerri Ann Roberts.
Survivors: daughter, Ruth Branaman (Dean); four grandchildren, Rob Branaman (Elisa), Mark Branaman (Stacey), Michael Foster and Gina Presnell; and three great-grandchildren, Sydney, Joseph and Dean Branaman.
Mr. Branaman was a member of the Missouri Cremation Service. Online guestbook and obituary at www.missouricremation.com

ST. JOSEPH – Jeannine A. Hinkle, 85, died Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born December 6, 1928 to H. Marshall and Marie F. (Lorey) Jones in St. Joseph. She married Richard C. Hinkle on July 20, 1948. He preceded her in death on April 7, 2013.
She completed her grade school education at St. Mary School. Jeannine was a 1946 graduate of Lafayette High School and attended St. Joseph Junior College. At the initiation of United Cerebral Palsy Jeannine was instrumental in forming the foundation of what UCP is today. She was on the Board of Directors from 1972-1976 and President of the Board in 1973. For several years thereafter she served as Administrator of UCP. She worked at Affiliated Foods before retiring as a teacher’s aide from Helen Davis State School in 1988.
She was a lifetime member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She was a member and officer of St. Mary’s Altar Society, PTA, St. Joseph Garden Club. Some of her fondest memories were teaching piano lessons out of the home.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, David C. Hinkle; and sister, Lorna Gayle Wineland.
Survivors: children, Barbara Scott (Mike), Alex Hinkle (Becky), Julie McKay (John), Eric Hinkle, and Michelle Hinkle; daughter-in-law, Stena Hinkle; grandchildren, Jody Wunschel (Pete), Andy Scott (Lori), Melissa Winn (B.J.), Andrea Grable (Todd), Mandy Lemmon (Cory), David Charles Hinkle, Richard Hinkle (Amy), Elizabeth Hoddick (Brett), Stephen Hinkle, Nicole Boeh (Brandon), John Patrick, Lindsay and Riley McKay and Korbin Hinkle; and ten great-grandchildren
Mass of Christian Burial: 1 p.m., Saturday, St. Mary Catholic Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Parish Rosary 7 p.m., Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory, where friends may call after 5 p.m., Friday. Flowers are appreciated or contributions to United Cerebral Palsy, 3303 Frederick Ave, St. Joseph, MO 64506. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

MAITLAND, Mo. – James Geary, Sr., 89, died on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at Golden Living Center, Maryville, Mo.
James was born April 15, 1924 in Omaha, Neb., son of the late Samuel and Ethel (Samson) Geary. He was a graduate of Prescott High School, Prescott, Iowa. James was united in marriage to Norma Ann Davis on June 28, 1953 in Afton,
Iowa. She preceded him in death on November 8, 2010.
James was a farmer and a United States Navy Veteran of World War II. His memberships included the Williamson American Legion Post #0719, Williamson, Iowa, Masonic Lodge, Prescott, Iowa and the Veteran of Foreign Wars, Creston, Iowa. James was of the Christian Faith.
Others preceding him in death were an infant son, Dallas Eldon Geary, three sisters, Irene Wilkes, Lois Joanne Larson, and Edith Thomas; two brothers, Melvin Geary and an infant brother, Ronald D. Geary.
Survivors include son, James (Helena) Geary, Jr., Springfield, Va.; daughter, Diane Cureton; grandson, Steven Cureton and fiance’ Rebecca Lane,call of Maitland; granddaughters, Carol and Debra Geary, both of Springfield; great-grandson, Hayden Lane, Maitland; a brother, Kenneth Geary and sister, Bonnie Glines, both of Odessa, Texas; many cousins, nieces and
nephews.
Mr. Geary’s body has been cremated. Memorial services and inurnment will be held at a later date.
Memorial: woundedvets.org
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com

ST. JOSEPH – Mabel Jean Hamilton, 80, passed away Saturday January 11, 2014 at a St. Joseph health care center. She was born February 18, 1933 in Braddyville, Iowa daughter of Florence and Carl Anderson. She worked with her husband as co-owner of the Hamilton’s Antique Store, Gower, Mo., she was also a telephone operator and a homemaker who loved to read.
Mabel was preceded in death by her husband, John Donald Hamilton in 2010, and her parents. She is survived by son, Steve Hamilton and wife Cindy of St. Joseph; daughter, Jean Brown and significant other Kenneth “Buck” Harris of Independence, Mo.; two grandsons, Daron Simpson and fiance Casey Hale, and Devon Simpson and his significant other Tiffany Euler; five, great-grandchildren; sister, Eva O’Dell of Rockport, Mo.
She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. There are no scheduled visitation or memorial services at this time. The inurnment will be with her husband at the Leavenworth National Cemetery. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

ST. JOSEPH – Norman E. Andrews, 81, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2014 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
Norman was born on March 6, 1932 in Hopkins, Mo., to George and Jennie Andrews. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and was a truck driver for Crouch Brothers and Yellow Freight Lines, retiring in 1991. He also was a driver for the Road to Recovery and a charter member of our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ronald and James Andrews.
He married Louise C. Walk on August 4, 1956 in Maryville, Mo. She survives of the home. Additional survivors include their children, Steven (Bonnie) Andrews, Patricia (Chuck) Holley and Cynthia (Monty) Stanton; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two sisters, Dolores Lewis and Elaine Hale.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
Interment St. Mary Cemetery, Maryville. Visitation will begin after 12 noon Tuesday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith and Sidenfaden Chapel. Parish Rosary 6 p.m., Tuesday. The family will receive friends following the rosary until 8 p.m.
The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

ST. JOSEPH – Letha M. McClanahan, 81, died Monday, January 13, 2014 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born April 26, 1932 to Ralph and Fannie (Ott) Adams in Nodaway, Mo.
She married John Richard McClanahan on October 30, 1954. He preceded her in death in 1995. Letha was a graduate of Lafayette High School and Missouri Western State University. She taught at the Helen Davis State School for twenty-five years. She was a founding member of Bible Baptist Temple and also a member of Northwest Missouri Genealogy Society and T.O.P.S.
Mrs. McClanahan was also preceded in death by her parents; step-granddaughter, Jessica Jo Chrislieb; and sister, Ermil Kunkle.
Survivors: son, John Richard McClanahan, Jr. (Karen); daughter, Kari Sue Hanson (Kevin); step-daughter, Karen Admire (David); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Services: 1 p.m. Thursday, Bible Baptist Temple. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m.. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5 p.m., Wednesday. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Bible Baptist Temple or Hands of Hope Hospice. Mrs. McClanahan will be removed from Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory to arrive at the church one hour prior to the service. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.