The Springfield News-Leader from Springfield, Missouri • Page 10

2B Thursday, February 14, 1991 OZARKS The News-Leader Ozaricer faces court action on drug charge TeachersUpset by Ashcroft remarks, teachers unite to lobby GETTING IT CORRECT From Our Staff A 35-year-old Springfield man, a suspended Springfield City Utilities bus driver, will face Greene County Circuit Court action on a charge of selling cocaine. Donald Lee Kraichely, who waived a preliminary hearing Monday in associate circuit court, is accused of selling 0.80 grams of co caine to an informant. The sale allegedly occurred Jan. 2, 1990. The case was in the Missouri Court of Appeals-Southern District for several months.

Kraichely, who is out on bail, reportedly has been suspended by City Utilities. However, CU spokesman Ernest DeCamp said CU could not discuss his employment records. The News-Leader strives for accuracy and fairness. We will correct any errors or misunderstandings created by stories, headlines and photographs. Readers may request a correction by calling the metro editor at 836-1199, day or night Paid announcements are arranged through southwest Missouri funeral home directors.

Obituaries FROM PAGE 1B this year, the MSTA in December set its first statewide rally for March 6. The MSTA says it has 31,000 members. The MSTA is trying to capitalize on the ire caused by Ashcroft, hoping more of its members and other education supporters will attend the event. Bob Iglehart, MSTA field representative in Springfield, said 3,000 teachers and others may converge on the Capitol to meet with lawmakers Day" for day of decision. Gerald Bonham, a high school math teacher and president of the Springfield-National Education Association, said Missouri-NEA, which claims 22,000 members, will have a legislative lobbying day in Jefferson City on Feb.

20. He said an umbrella organization of all state education groups will sponsor a rally May 1 at the Capitol to push for more education funding. Bonham said Ashcroft's comments "are not based on fact. I'm disappointed he's basing some of his conclusions on what appears to be erroneous data." "It appears to me our governor is just coasting, not assuming any leadership as far as education," Bonham said. In response to Ashcroft, MSTA executive director Kent King said in a prepared statement the state's required 174 days of school is near the bottom when compared to other states.

But he said when hours of classroom time are the unit of measurement, Missouri is above the national average in time spent in class by students and teachers. "The governor's comments are not only inaccurate, they frustrate the teachers who are working very hard to educate our children," King said. King said Missouri ranked 33rd in the nation in 1989-90 average teacher salary, about $4,000 below the national average of $31,166. Ferguson said whether talking about days or hours in the classroom, Ashcroft says many education experts believe "we need more time on task." Ashcroft realizes it will cost more money to lengthen the school year, and he is willing to compensate teachers more for working more, Ferguson said. And he said the governor is willing to support a tax increase for education "under the right reform structure." Ashcroft, at a forum Monday sponsored by the Associated Press, reiterated his contention that Mis souri teachers have the shortest work year in the country and they are not necessarily entitled to a pay hike if the school year is extended.

The governor said Missouri teachers' salaries are average or above average when one takes into consideration the school year in Missouri is the shortest in the nation and the cost of living in Missouri is lower than many other states. "If teachers' pay is average and they are working less, then it is arguable that we should be able to ask for more time on task without more funding," Ashcroft said. "We do need a longer school year, and I'm willing to pay for it," the governor said, adding that he would be willing to work for a tax increase to provide money for lengthening the school year. He said he does not know how much it would cost to extend the school year. He said he favors providing incentives to school districts rather than mandating the longer year because if the state requires more days, it will have to pay all the costs associated with them under the Hancock amendment.

Ashcroft said one way to lengthen the school year would be to shorten or do away with some of the vacations during the school year. Mr. Fitch was born on Aug. 8, 1927 in Springfield, and moved to Ventura County 27 years ago. He was an assembler with Whittaker Controls and a U.S.

Army veteran. Survivors Include his wife, Mrs. Loretta Fitch; a son, Andy Fitch; and a daughter, Mrs. Joanna iiu Wig; fry two brothers, Robert Meek, Springfield and Bill Meek, Nixa; two grandchildren, Cindy Hansen, Springfield and Frank L. Hansen, Cherry Hill, N.J.; a greatgrandchild, Colleen Hansen; nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday In Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Winford C. Lee officiating. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, north of Nixa. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Friday In the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association or American Heart GerdesGamel seeks to replace Gerdes in mayor's race in April FROM PAGE 1B did not charge her for his services. "She's a nice lady and she devotes many hours to public service, so she received a little bit of a reward," he said. Gerdes said Lowther "did it as a favor to me and as a friend." Gamel, who has said previously he could not afford to hire a lawyer, said Wednesday he is selling his truck to pay his legal fees. Sherwood said he also will try to expedite the matter in court to avoid incurring additional expenses for the city.

The two-term councilwoman withdrew from the race two days after placing a distant second to Carlson in the primary. Carlson won every precinct and took 58 percent of the total votes cast. Gerdes received 29 percent of the vote and Gamel 13 percent. She said she was philosophically opposed to spending thousands of dollars for what was essentially a volunteer job, so she withdrew. If Gamel fails to get his name back on the ballot, write-in candidates will pose the only opposition to Carlson and four city council members up for re-election.

They are Norma Champion, Jim O'Neal, N.L. "Mac" McCartney and Mary Owen Cantrell. However, even if all run unopposed, the city still must hold the election. City Clerk Kent Hoffpauir could not estimate the cost, but said the February primary election cost the city $60,000. ville United Methodist Church with the Revs.

Carlton Knight, Chris Oefting and W. Thomas Robinson officiating. Burial will be in Watts Cemetery, Rogersville. Friends may call after 10 a.m. today in Preston-Marsh Funeral Home, Rogersville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rogersville United Methodist Church. Virginia M. Needham Virginia M. Needham, 79, Springfield, died Tuesday morning in her home. She was a member of the St.

Luke United Methodist Church and a former owner of Needham Electric Co. She is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Slawson and a brother, Frank Alberty, both of Springfield; a niece; four nephews and several great-nieces and nephews. Services will be a 10 a.m. Friday in Greenlawn North Chapel with the Rev. Darrell McFar-land officiating.

Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may call after 2 p.m. today in the funeral home. Ernest H. Whetsten EVERTON Ernest H.

Whetsten, 92, Ever-ton, died at 1 1 a.m. Monday in his home. The son of Melvin and Mary Whetsten, he was born April 10, 1898, near Ava. He was a retired druggist and a member of General Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Eula; two sons, Norman of Lampe and Marvin of Springfield; three daughters, Fern Davis, Springfield, Ernestine Thompson, Strafford and Donna Durham, Everton; a brother, Claude of Springfield; three sisters, Mae Latimer and Mable Guthrey, both of Springfield and Gladys Hampton, Grants, N.M.; 15 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

H3 was preceded in death by three brothers. Services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Greenlawn Funeral Home North with the Rev. Don Miller officiating. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery.

DAILY RECORD BIRTHS field, a boy, 3:16 a.m. Feb. 12, Cox South. COUCH, Jay and Julie (Tatter-shaoo), 1447 E. Cherry, Springfield, a girl, 8:24 p.m.

Feb. 12, Cox South. DEHAAN, John and Terrie (King), Route 2 Box 270, Ava, a boy, 1:52 p.m. Feb. 12, Cox South.

HAUN, Kimberly, 734 N. Marion, Springfield, a girl, 7:18 a.m. Feb. 12, Cox South. MARPLE, John and Patty (King), 1041 W.

Walnut, Springfield, a girl, 4:33 a.m. Feb. 12, Cox South. MATHEWS, Steven and Cynthia (Pearson), 2444 N. Delaware, Springfield, a boy, 11:51 a.m.

Feb. 12, Cox South. NOLKER, James and Sue (Pollitt), 3028 W. Village Lane, Springfield, a boy, 10:31 p.m. Feb.

12, Cox South. RUFF, Richard and Karen (Veach), 4813 S. Glenn, Springfield, a girl, 5:49 p.m. Feb. 12, Cox South.

SEALE, Mark and Joanie (Melton), Route 1 Box 1870, Dadeville, a girl, 12:31 p.m. Feb. 12, Cox South. SMITH, James and Lorraine (Dodd), Box 383, Rogersville, a girl, 7:37 a.m. Feb.

12, Cox South. STEPHEN, Robert and Jean (Anthony), Route 4 Box 384, Lebanon, a girl, 11:11 p.m. Feb. 12, Cox South. WAKE, Kim and Elizabeth (Batesel), Route 3 Box 192, Willow Springs, a girl, 6:31 a.m.

Feb. 12, Cox South. WILKINS, George and Dana (Bes-grove), 4043 S. Ferguson, Springfield, a girl, 7:55 p.m. Feb.

12, Cox South. WILSON, Orvin and Sabena (Cook), 1021 Concord, Springfield, a boy, 9:38 a.m. Feb. 12, Cox South. BAGGETT, Tony and Drinda (Trues-dale), Box 21, Ozark, a girl, 11:58 p.m.

Feb. 12, Cox South. BLAKESLEE, Michael and Karen (Brimmer), 230 W. Lindberg, Springfield, a boy, 12:44 p.m. Feb.

12, St. John's. BLEV1NS, Danny and Stacy (Cole), 1048 E. Dale, Springfield, a girl, 5 a.m. Feb.

12, Cox South. CANTRELL, Stephen and Rebecca (Brokman), 4543 S. Graystone, Spring DEATH NOTICES Duggan, all of Simi Valley; two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Clark, Lucerene Valley, Calif, and Mrs. Freda Thomas, Veth-any, and three grandchildren, Shannon, Michael and Robert Duggan, all of Simi Valley.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in Oak-wood Memorial Park, Chatsworth, with the Rev. John Love officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery. Vigil service will be at 7:30 p.m.

tonight in Rear-don Simi Valley Mortuary. Friends may call after 1 p.m. Howard Higgins GREENFIELD Howard Higgins, 83, Greenfield, departed this life at 8:24 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, 1991, in Dade County Nursing Home, Greenfield, after a short illness.

He was born Dec 27, 1907, in Greenfield, Mo. and was a lifelong area resident. He was a farmer and cattleman and a member of the First Christian Church In Greenfield. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He is survived by a brother, Wilson Higgins, Albuquerque, N.M.; five sisters, Daisy Manes, Walnut Shade, Grade Henke, Conrad, Helen Ericksen and Georgia Zelgert, both of Greenfield, and Mabel Poe, Sealy, Texas; several nieces; nephews; and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Llnville and Lucy Higgins; two brothers, Raymond and Floyd Higgins; and a sister, Ethel Martin. Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. today In Weir Cemetery with the Rev. Bill Morgan officiating.

Burial will be under direction of Greenfield Funeral Chapel. The family received friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday In the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Passionate, Inc. in care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Paul L. Mayfield ROGERSVILLE -Paul L. Mayfield, 89, Rogersville, died Tuesday in Ozark Nursing and Care Center. He was born on Dec. 10, 1901, in Polk County, the son of Robert and Nancy Dodd May-field.

He was married to Helen Elizabeth Humble on July 12, 1924, in Rogersville. He was a Methodist minister, retiring in 1967. He had officiated in Niangua, Seymour, Ava, Clever and many other churches In southwest Missouri. He was a member of Rogersville United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by five brothers and four sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Helen, Rogersville; a son, Gordon and his wife, Mary Lou, Rogersville; a daughter, Paula and her husband, Bob Alford, Springfield; six grandchildren, Mary Beth and husband, Ivan Bre-shears, Brian Mayfield, Jennifer and husband, Rod Hoover, Randy and wife, Karen Alford, Chris and wife, Candy Alford and Lisa Alford; seven great-granddaughters, Michele and Monica Breshears, Ashley and Adrlenne Hoover, Haley and Kaitlyn Alford and Chrlstin Alford. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Rogers Mildred W. Boehm Mildred W. Boehm, 78, Springfield, died at 7:36 a.m.

Tuesday in St. John's Regional Health Center. She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She was a member of Saturday Club Three and Sigma Kappa Sorority.

She is survived by her husband, Arthur Boehm, Springfield; a daughter, Judy Bisno, Springfield; a brother, Willard Wood, Idaho Falls, Idaho; a sister, Coy Slaton, Lighthouse Point, three grandchildren, Scott Bisno, Seattle, Amy and Melissa Bisno, both of Springfield; and two great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home with the Rev. Lowell T. Mize officiating.

Burial will be In White Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. tonight In the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Edith Lourene Briggs Edith Lourene Briggs, 89, Springfield, died at 10:20 p.m. Tuesday In Springfield Healthcare Center. The daughter of Charles and Maggie Humphries, she was born March 1, 1901, In Aurora, Mo. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie, In 1951. She was a member of St.

Paul United Methodist Church and was Instrumental in forming the Covergirls Quilting Group at St. Paul and had served as its president. She is survived by a stepdaughter, Lillian Malsom, Oak Harbor, three sisters, Edna Lempicki, Iva Blain and Ellen Wright, all of Kansas City; three daughters-in-law, Mary Briggs, Springfield, Ruth Briggs, Albany, Ore. and Katherine Briggs, Ren-ton, 1 1 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10:30 a.m.

Friday In Green-lawn Funeral Home South with the Rev. Wil-ber Denney officiating. Burial will be in East-lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. tonight In Greenlawn South.

Memorial contributions may be made to Covergirls Quilting Group at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Alberta Christine Dunbar Alberta Christine Dunbar, 75, Springfield, died Tuesday morning in Cox Medical Center South of a sudden illness. A lifelong resident of Nixa and Springfield, she was the daughter of Harry and Christine McCroskey Meek. On Nov.

16, 1935, she was united In marriage to Frank W. Dunbar. She was a member of Nixa Church of Christ and later the Southslde Church of Christ in Springfield. Survivors Include her husband, Frank; a daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Donald L. Hansen, Mount Laurel, N.J.; two sisters, Louise Graham and Cor-ine Payne, both of Nixa; Josephine T.

Erickson Josephine T. Erickson, 91, Springfield, died at 11 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, 1991, in Mercy Villa after a long illness. She was a native o) Coon Valley, Wis.

and had resided in Springfield for the past 10 years. She was a member of Coon Valley Lutheran Church and in Springfield the Messiah Lutheran Church. Prior to her retirment, she was actively involved in the operations of Erickson Transport Corp. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry In 1972. She is survived by four sons, John H.

and his wife, Jean, Alf L. and his wife, Gail, Leif V. and his wife, Jerene, all of Springfield, and Howard J. and his wife, Clara Edna, Coon Valley; two daughters, Mrs. Alice Harness, Montgomery City, Mo.

and Jean and her husband, Louis Gueltzow, Louisville, 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Services will be at 6:30 p.m. tonight in Gorman-Scharpf University Chapel with the Rev. H.F. Llebeck officiating.

A family visitation will follow services from 7 to 8 P.m. An additional service and burial will be held in Coon Valley, on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to Make a Wish Foundation, 1436 S. Glenstone, Springfield, Mo. 65804 or the American Heart Association, 1675-N E.

Seminole, Springfield, Mo. 65804. Elsie L. Evans MARSHFIELD Elsie L. Evans, 78, Prosser, passed away Dec.

26, 1990, in Prosser Memorial Hospital, Prosser, Wash. Mrs. Evans was a former resident of Marsh-field and was preceded In death by her husband, Dyer Evans. She is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth L. Anderson, Wilmington, N.C.

and Shirlene A. Jones, Grandvlew, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday In Marshfield Cemetery with the Rev. Raymond Ticknor officiating under direction of Arhtur's Colonial Chapel.

Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Robert Glen Fitch SIMI VALLEY, Calif. Robert Glen Fitch, 63, Simi Valley, died Sunday in a Slmi Valley hospital after a long illness. Dixie M.

Fountain, 64 Services for Dixie M. Fountain, Springfield, will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Wilson-Brim-Daniel Chapel, Ash Grove. Burial will be in Johns Chapel Cemetery, Ash Grove. Mrs.

Fountain, a utility company secretary, died at 2:55 a.m. Wednesday in Cox Medical Center South. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. Edna Ida Humphrey, 89 CROCKER Services for Edna Ida Humphrey, Crocker, will be at 10 a.m.

Friday in Christian Church. Burial will be in Long Hollow Cemetery, Evening Shade, under direction of Long Funeral Home. Mrs. Humphrey, a homemaker, died at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in her home.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. Paul Johnson, 85 FORDLAND Craveside services for Paul Johnson, Fordland, will be at 3 p.m. Friday in Fordland Cemetery under direction of Preston-Marsh Funeral Home. Mr.

Johnson died at 11:05 p.m. Monday in Springfield Community Hospital. Friends may call after 9 a.m. today in the funeral home. Clyde Kensinger, 80 STRAFFORD Services for the Rev.

Clyde Kensinger, Strafford, will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Arthur's Colonial Chapel, Marshfield. Burial will be in Mount Pisgah Cemetery. Rev. Kensinger, a retired Baptist minister and railroad foreman, died at 7:15 a.m.

Tuesday in Maranatha Village, Springfield. Alice Osgood, 64 OSCEOLA Services for Alice L. Osgood, Osceola, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Earp and Sons Blue Ridge Chapel, Kansas City, Mo. The body will be cremated under direction of Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home.

Mrs. Osgood, a retired telephone employee, died at 11:45 p.m. Monday in her home. Friends may call after 9 a.m. today in Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel.

David Benjamin Ratterree, 61 MOUNTAIN GROVE Services for David Benjamin Ratterree, Mountain Grove, will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Hopewell First Freewill Bapstist Church. Burial will be in Hopewell Cemetery under direction of Craig-Hurtt-Bradley Funeral Home. Mr. Ratterree, a logger, died at 1:15 p.m.

Tuesday from injuries suffered when a log rolled on him. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. Oris Junior Taylor, 63 Services for Oris Junior Taylor, Springfield, will be at 1:30 p.m. today in Wilson-Brim-Chapel, Ash Grove.

Burial will be in White Chapel Cemetery. Mr. Taylor died at 8:40 p.m. Monday in St. John's Regional Health Center after a short illness.

Charley Raymond Vineyard, 78 DIXON Services for Charley Raymond Vineyard, Dixon, will be at 3 p.m. Friday in Baptist Church. Burial will be in Dixon Cemetery under direction of Long Funeral Home. Mr. Vineyard, a retired school custodian, died at 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday in Phelps County Regional Medical Center, Rolla. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. Masonic services will be at 7 p.m. Janie Sue Wilks, 49 PIERCE CITY Services for Janie Sue Wilks, Pierce City, will be at 10 a.m.

Friday in Mount Olivet Church. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery under direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett. Mrs. Wilks, a former waitress, died of heart failure at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday in Hillhaven Convalescent Center, Springfield.

Visitation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today in the funeral home. Other Deaths Listed below are notices of recent deaths of present or former residents of southwest Missouri. More details will be published when information is available. Herman K.

Bourke, 83, Walnut Grove, died at 6:40 p.m. Tuesday in his home. Arrangements will be announced by Wilson-Brim-Daniel Chapel, Ash Grove. Raymond Lea, 76, Fordland, died Wednesday afternoon in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield.

Arrangements will be announced by Preston-Marsh Funeral Home, Rogersville. Berneice Irene Swearengin, 69, Seymour, died at 7:50 p.m. Tuesday in her home. Arrangements will be announced by Preston-Marsh Funeral Home, Fordland. Joey Len Byrom, 27 K1MBKRL1NG CITY Services for Joey Len Byrom, Kimberling City, will be at 11 a.m.

Friday in StumpfT Chapel South. Burial will be in Springfield National Cemetery. Mr. Byrom died at 10:25 p.m. Tuesday in North Arkansas Medical Center, Harrison, from injuries suffered in an auto accident.

Friends may call after 2 p.m. today in the funeral home. John R. Craig, 94 Services for John R. Craig, Springfield, will be at 1 p.m.

Saturday in Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Burial will be in White Chapel Cemetery. Mr. Craig, a retired school superintendent, died at 11 a.m. Tuesday in South Austin Medical Center, Austin, Texas.

Visitation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Orville Ray Denney, 82 ROGERSVILLE Services for Orville Ray Denney, Rogersville, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Preston-Marsh Funeral Home, Burial will be in Denney Cemetery, Seymour. Mr.

Denney, a retired dairy farmer, died at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday in Ozark Nursing and Care Center. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Josephine T.

Erlckson, 91 Services for Josephine T. Erickson, Springfield, will be at 6:30 p.m. today in Gorman-Scharpf University Chapel. Burial and an additional service will be Saturday in Coon Valley, Wis. Mrs.

Erickson died at 11 p.m. Tuesday in Mercy Villa after a long illness. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. Romeo Henry Fortin, 91 WAYNESVILLE Funeral Mass for Romeo Henry Fortin, Waynesville, will be at 11 a.m.

today in Holy Cross Catholic Church, St Petersburg, Fla. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Petersburg, under direction of Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home, St. Petersburg. Local arrangements are under direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Mr. Fortin, a retired jeweler, died at 2 p.m. Sunday in Sunset Village of the Ozarks. Zula Cornell Willoughby NIXA Zula Cornell Willoughby, 73, Nixa, died at 9:49 a.m. Wednesday In Cox Medical Center South.

She was born 27, 1917, to Cowan and Bertie Pearce in Clever. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Nixa for many years and the Nixa Garden Club. She was secretary and treasurer for Delaware Cemetery for the past 20 years. She was preceded In death by her husband, Javen Willoughby in 1982. She Is survived by- a daughter, Janice Gamble and her husband, David, Springfield; two grandchildren, Dean Gamble, St.

Louis and Paula Gamble, Nashville, a sister, Marcella Roberts, Springfield; two brothers, Orville Pearce, Nixa and Andrew Pearce, Springfield; several neices and nephews and a host of friends. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday In First Baptist Church, Nixa, with the Revs. Richard Ea-kins and Kenneth Bandy officiating. Burial will be in Delaware Cemetery under direction of Harris Colonial Chapel, Nixa.

Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church In Nixa in her.