The Springfield News-Leader from Springfield, Missouri • Page 14

3B News-Leader Tuesday, August 10, 1999 Page edited by Tracy Spurlock; call 836-1 199 after 5 pm. Missouri Ozarks Death penalty commuted for 78-year-old woman Attorney general hasn't decided whether to fight for the execution of Faye Copeland. victim of battered woman syndrome. Barring appeal, she will remain in prison for the rest of her life. Gibson said the attorney general could appeal Smith's ruling to try and reinstate the death sentence or that Gibson could appeal the decision not to grant a new trial.

Each side has 30 days to decide, he said. Gibson said he was happy that the threat of execution was removed. He said he could not imagine a reason for trying to pursue a death sentence for a 78-year-old woman. "The fact of the matter is, she is a 78-year-old woman who is probably enjoying a better quality of life than what she had," Gibson said. "She works in the greenhouse at the prison every day.

She wouldn't hurt a fly. I think you can ask the warden and he would say he could open the door and there wouldn't be a danger to anybody." Gibson filed the appeal that was based on the fact that the Livingston County jury that convicted Faye Copeland was not allowed to hear evi not known where she would be transferred if the deadline for appeals expired. Prosecutors alleged she and her husband schemed in the late 1980s to hire transients to work on their farm north of Kansas City. The transients were instructed to buy cattle with bad checks, then killed. Gibson said Ray Copeland, who he said beat his wife daily, committed the murders.

"The evidence of Faye's guilt was pretty thin," Gibson said. "Faye just happened to be there." dence of battered woman syndrome. The office of Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon had not received a copy of the decision and would make a determination on whether to appeal after reviewing it, said Scott Holste, a spokesman for Nixon. Nixon had said in 1997 that he would press to execute Faye Copeland, arguing that the evidence of her guilt was overwhelming. Gibson disagreed, saying the evidence was tenuous at best Faye Copeland was being held at a women's prison in Vandalia.

It was came on Copeland's 78th birthday. Smith allowed her convictions in 1990 for the murders of five transients to stand. The men were killed in a livestock swindle with her husband, Ray. Ray Copeland was convicted and sentenced to death. He died in 1993 at age 78 while awaiting execution.

Faye Copeland's lawyers said she was an innocent bystander who was a at 9:25 a.m. Saturday in Country ViUa Healthcare Center, Humansville. Services will be at 11 a.m. today in General Baptist Church, WiUow Springs, with burial in Epps Cemetery, Pomona, under direction of Hiler Funeral Home, WiUow Springs. Cleda Kincade, 90 Mrs.

Cleda Kincade, Springfield, a retired waUpaper hanger, died at 12:50 a.m. Monday in Greene Haven. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens under direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Friends may call at their convenience after 5 p.m.

today in the funeral home. Benjamin Lasswell, 84 MONETT Mr. Benjamin Lasswell, Monett, a retired pawn shop owner, died at 6:52 a.m. Sunday in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield. Services will be at 1 p.m.

Wednesday in Peterson Funeral Chapel, Aurora, with burial in Maple Park Cemetery, Aurora. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral chapel. Everette Leroy Logan, 88 Mr. Everette Leroy Logan, Springfield, a retired maintenance worker, died at 4:45 p.m.

Sunday in Balanced Care, Republic. Services wiU be at 1 p.m. Friday in Ayre-Goodwin-Lee, a Heritage Funeral Home at Rivermonte, Springfield, with burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Republic. Visitation wiU be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.

Paula D. Maberry, 47 WEAUBLEAU Mrs. Paula Maberry, Weaubleau, a homemaker, died at 3:30 p.m. Sunday in Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar. Cause of death is pending autopsy.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Hathaway-Peterman Funeral Home, Wheatland, with burial in Robinson Cemetery, Weaubleau. Visitation wiU be from 7 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. Maxine S.

Massey, 72 Mrs. Maxine S. Massey, Springfield, a homemaker, died Saturday in St. John's Regional Health Center. Services will be at 12:30 p.m.

today in Greenlawn Funeral Home South with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery. Thomas 'Gene' Ellerman, 80 HARWOOD Mr. Thomas "Gene" Ellerman, Harwood, died Monday in Community Nursing Home, El Dorado Springs. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Hackleman and Sons Funeral Home with burial in Mount Vernon Cemetery, near El Dorado Springs.

Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. Richard 'Dick' Ernst, 67 DEVILS ELBOW Mr. Richard "Dick" Ernst, Devils Elbow, a motorcycle shop owneroperator and U.S. Navy veteran, died at 1:51 a.m.

Monday in Phelps County Regional Medical Center, Rolla. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in Waynesville United Methodist Church, Waynesville, with burial in Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery under direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral chapel.

Velma Fern Garretson, 73 TAMPICO, Dl. Miss Velma Fern Garretson, Tampico, a homemak-er, died at 8:20 a.m. Sunday in her niece's home in Halfway. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in Fairfield A.M.

Church, Tampico, with burial in Fairfield A.M. Cemetery under direction of Johnson-Howard Funeral Home, Manlius, Dl. Local arrangements under direction of Cantlon Funeral Home, Buffalo. Patricia M. Guittar, 71 SPARTA Mrs.

Patricia M. Guittar, Sparta, a homemaker, died at 6:15 a.m. Sunday in her home. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Greenlawn Cemetery, Springfield, under direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home South.

Visitation will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today in the funeral home. Louis J. Harris, 107 Mr. Louis J.

Harris, Springfield, a retired railroad worker, died at 2:25 p.m. Saturday in Balanced Care East. Services wiU be at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Greenlawn Funeral Home South with burial in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens. Visitation wiU be from noon to 1 p.m.

Wednesday in the funeral home. Robert Ray Higgins, 68 LICKING Mr. Robert Ray Higgins, Licking, a retired mechanic and Billie J. McCabe, 70 KIMBERLING CITY Mr. Billie J.

McCabe, KimberDng City, a retired engineer, died Sunday in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. Services wiU be at 10 a.m. Friday in Snapp's Ozarks Memorial Park Funeral Home, Branson, with graveside services at 3:30 p.m. in Mount Olive Cemetery, Pittsburg, Kan.

Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Richard Albert Mieswinkel, 85 MOUNT VERNON Mr. Richard Albert Mieswinkel, Mount Vernon, a retired carpenter, died at 1:30 a.m. Monday in Lawrence County Manor.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in First Christian Church with burial in Mount Vernon I.O.O.F. Cemetery under direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home. Friends may call at their convenience from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

today in the funeral home. EmmaLou Morris, 78 GLADSTONE Mrs. EmmaLou Morris, Gladstone, formerly of Springfield, a retired communications manager and World War II U.S. Army veteran, died Friday in her home. Services will be at 3:30 p.m.

today in Greenlawn Funeral Home South, Springfield, with burial at a later date. Ollie Zelpha Price, 97 VERSAILLES Mrs. Ollie Zelpha Price, Versailles, a homemaker, died at 4:15 a.m. Monday in Good Shepherd Care Center. Graveside services were at 3 p.m.

Monday in Cowgill Cemetery, Cowgill, under direction of Allee-Reed Funeral Home, Camdenton. Alick Rowland, 76 RICHLAND Mr. Alick Rowland, Richland, a retired plumber, died at 1:07 p.m. Monday in Tri-Coun-ty Nursing Home. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m.

Wednesday in Concord Cemetery, near Richland, under direction of Colonial Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. today in the funeral chapel. M. Elaine Simpson, 63 KIMBERLING CITY Mrs.

M. Elaine Simpson, Kimberling City, a Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.

413 East Walnut Street, Springfield, MO 65804. The Associated Press KANSAS CITY A federal judge has removed the death penalty from 78-year-old Faye Copeland, believed to be the nation's oldest woman awaiting execution. U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith said Friday that Copeland should be allowed off death row, said her attorney Kent Gibson.

The ruling Death Notices Jack Bernard Martha Bernard Elsie Mae Dobbs Thomas "Gene" Ellerman Richard "Dick" Ernst Velma Fem Garretson Patricia M. Gurttar Louis J. Harris Robert Ray Higgins Jessie Hoeck Mildred E. Hyde Ida B. Jennings Mary Lou Johnson Patty Kautz Minnie E.

Kester Cleda Kincade Benjamin Lasswell Everefte Leroy Logan Paula D. Maberry Maxine S. Massey Billie J. McCabe Richard Albert Mieswinkel EmmaLou Morris Ollie Zelpha Price Alick Rowland M. Elaine Simpson Dale E.

Taylor Kitae Terry Gerald Lee Zemicke Notices contain service and death information only. Jack Bernard, 73, and Martha Bernard, 74 STREAMWOOD, 111. Mr. Jack Bernard, a retired union officer, died at 5:55 a.m. Friday in St.

John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, and Mrs. Martha Bernard, a home-maker, died at 7:35 a.m. Aug. 4 in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield.

Funeral Mass for Mr. and Mrs. Bernard will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, Arlington Heights, with burial in St. Michael of the Arch Angel Cemetery, Palatine, 111.

Local arrangements under direction of Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home, Springfield. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in Meadows Funeral Home, Rolling Meadows, 111. Elsie Mae Dobbs, 80 LONGMONT, Colo. Mrs.

Elsie Mae Dobbs, Longmont, formerly of Mountain Grove, a retired shoe factory employee, died Friday in Life Care Center, Longmont, Colo. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Craig-Hurtt-Bradley Funeral Home, Mountain Grove, with burial in Sweeton Pond Cemetery, Dora. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home.

Obituaries Lucille Espy Lucille Espy, 83, Springfield, died at 8 a.m. Aug. 8, 1999, in ManorCare Health Services. She was a long time employee of the Paris Dress Shop and a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church.

Mrs. Espy is survived by her son, James and his wife, Donna Espy; a daughter, Sally Payne; a daughter-in-law, Millie Espy Hesington; seven grandchildren, Scott Espy, Gina Gannaway, Dana Joiner, Susan Payne, Angela Bond, Chris Espy and Lorl Murphy; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Tom Espy; her parents; three brothers; and three sisters. Funeral Mass will be af 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug.

11, 1999, in St. Agnes Chapel, Springfield, with Msgr. Jhomas Reidy celebrant. Burial Mil follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery under the care of Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 East Walnut Street, Springfield, Mo.

2 Rosary services will be at 7 p.m. today In the funeral tome with visitation to follow. In Loving Memory Howard "Junior" Evans August 10, 1929 December 24, 1998 Happy Birthday, Jr. Love you, Just Me real estate broker, died Saturday- in her home. Memorial services will be at 2 pin.

Wednesday in Kimberling City United Methodist Church. Her body has been cremated under direction of Stumpff Funeral Home South. Dale E. Taylor, 49 REEDS SPRING Mr. Dale E.

Taylor, Reeds Spring, a mechanic, died at 3:38 p.m. Sunday In Skaggs Community Health Center, Branson, from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident. Graveside services wiU be at. 10 a.m. Thursday in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery under direction' of Snapp's Ozarks Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 6 to 7 Wednesday in the funeral home. Kitae Terry, 72 WAYNESVILLE Mrs. Kitae Terry, WaynesviUe, a retired civil service employee, died Saturday- in General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, Fort Leonard Wood. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery, Waynesville, under direction of WaynesvUle Memorial Chapel.

Gerald Lee Zemicke, 60 ELMA, Wash. Mr. Gerald Lee' Zernicke, Elma, a logger, died at 5:22 p.m. Aug. 2 in Brady, Wash.

Graveside services will be af 10 a.m. Wednesday in Murray Cema- tery, south of Ava, under direction of -Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava. Friends may caU at their convenience 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 becomes available.

Mrs. Thelma Wolfe 90, Springfield, died at 1:42 p.m. Monday in Balanced Care West. Arrangements will be announced by Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Mr.

Morgan Harris, 86, Humansville, died at 3:17 p.m. Monday in, Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar. Arrangements will be announced by Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home, Springfield. charge. Obituary charges are $1 80 per line for pictures.

Obituaries must be faxed to the may call 417-836-1 183 or 1-800-695-1972 great-great-grandchild. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, 1999, in College Street Baptist Church with Pastor Russ Ussary officiating under direction of Ayre-Goodwin-Lee, a Heritage Funeral Home at Rivermonte. Burial will follow In Wade Chapel Cemetery, Republic, Mo.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 R.m. today in the funeral ome. James Landon McKnight James Landon McKnight, the Infant son of Tabitha McKnight and Samuel Davis of Springfield, died at 7:28 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, 1999, In Cox Medical Center South.

James was born June 15, 1999. He was preceded In death by his great-grandfather, James Faught, and a cousin; Jerry Newlon. He is survived by his parents, Tabitha McKnight and Samuel Davis; his maternal grandparents, Harold and Vlckl Green; his paternal grandparents, Joe and Debbie avis; his maternal great-grandmother, Jessie Faught; his paternal great-grandparents, Jack and Betty Renker, all of Springfield; and many aunts, uncles, and a host of many friends. Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug.

11, 1999, In Greenlawn Cemetery under direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home South. -Visitation will be from 6 to 7 R.m. today in the funeral ome. Korean War U.S. Army veteran, died Sunday in his home.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Boone Creek Baptist Church with burial with full military honors in Boone Creek Cemetery under direction of Fox Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. Jessie Hoeck, 97 HOUSTON Ms.

Jessie Hoeck, Houston, a homemaker, died Monday in Kabul Nursing Home, Cabool. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Evans Funeral Home, Houston, with burial in White Rock Cemetery, near Bucyrus. Visitation wiU be from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home.

Mildred E. Hyde, 86 WASHBURN Mrs. Mildred E. Hyde, Washburn, a homemaker, died Monday in South Barry County Hospital, Cassville. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m.

Wednesday in Washburn Prairie Cemetery, Washburn, under direction of Williamson Funeral Home, Cassville. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. Ida B. Jennings, 91 AURORA Mrs.

Ida B. Jennings, Aurora, a retired clerk, died at 3:42 a.m. Monday in Ozark Methodist Manor, Marionville. Graveside services wiU be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Maple Park Cemetery, Aurora, under direction of Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home.

Mary Lou Johnson, 70 MARSHFTELD Mrs. Mary Lou Johnson, Marshfield, a retired secretary, died Friday in St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. Services will be at 10 a.m. today in Arthur's Colonial Chapel, Marsh-field, with burial in Roper Cemetery, near Morgan.

Patty Kautz, 69 ELDON Mrs. Patty Kautz, Eldon, a retired secretary, died at 5:30 a.m. Sunday in Boone County Hospital, Columbia. Memorial services wiU be at 4 p.m. Thursday in Hedges Funeral Home, Osage Beach.

Minnie E. Kester, 89 HUMANSVILLE Mrs. Minnie E. Kester, Humansville, formerly of Willow Springs, a homemaker, died tl.JAA 'I" WV: I. W.R.

Scott Harrison KANSAS CITY W.R. Scott Harrison, 36, Kansas City, passed away at 8:05 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, 1999, In his home from a self-inflicted wound. He was a U.S.

Air Force veteran, a graduate of SMSU and a computer programmer with Hallmark of Kansas City. Scott was a conscientious and good person who enjoyed life and had a sense of humor. He was a gentle, loving son and brother and a loyal friend. He is greatly loved and will be sorely missed. He Is survived by his parents, Forrest and Mary Harrison, Springfield, and three brothers, Chris Harrison, Springfield, John Harrison, Windsor, and Kenn Harrison, Middleton, Conn.

Memorial Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, 1999, in St. Agnes Cathedral Chapel with the Rev. Thomas Kiefer celebrant under direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel.

Burial will be at a later date. No formal visitation is zS The Monday obituaries and memoriams listed below are paid announcements. The death notices are published at no through Saturday and $2.00 per line for Sunday (not including heading). There is an additional charge News-Leader at 417-836-1221 Monday through Sunday until 4:30 p.m. You planned.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Association of Mental Illness, 1504 North Robberson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802. Mabel Ruth Hutchison Mabel Ruth Hutchison, 100, Springfield, died at 4 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, 1999, In The Manor at Eifindale. She was born Sept.

19, 1898, in Wlllard, the daughter of Dr. Theodore A. Coffelt and Mary Clayton Cof-felt. She was married to James C. Hutchison on July 6, 1920, who preceded her In death, as well as her parents; a sister, Maude Hughes; and three brothers, Everett, Oscar and Glenn Coffelt.

She is survived by her daughter, Dorothy Ann Ritter-shouse; her son, James C. Hutchison Jr. and his wife, Janice; 10 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Mabel was a lifelong member of St. Paul United Methodist Church.

She was a member of the Springfield Childrens Home board for several years. During World War II she was a volunteer nurses aid with the Red Cross and also St. John's Hospital. She was a lifetime member of Cox Medical Center Auxiliary. She was loved by all who knew her and was "the best grandmother that every lived." Services will be at 1 p.m.

Wednesday. Aug. 11, 1999, In Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial will be In Springfield National Cemetery. 1 Benjamin Barnett "Barney" Johnson Benjamin Barnett "Barney" Johnson, 91, Springfield, passed away at 8:20 a.m.

Sunday, Aug. 8, 1999, In his home. Mr. Johnson, a carpenter and millwright, was bom Aug. 21, 1907, In Beaver Dam, the son of Benjamin B.

and Nora Eva Blockson Johnson. He was united in marriage to Helen Waddle on June 11, 1977, in Springfield, Mo. Barney was a member of College Street Baptist Church for 65 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther, of 47 years; a grandson, Clay Barnett Johnson; and an infant granddaughter, Cheryl Kissee. He is survived by a daughter, Ramona Palmer; a son, Bob L.

Johnson and his wife, Mary Beth, Springfield; six grandchildren; 1 1 great-grandchildren; and two great-greatgrandchildren. He leaves his wife of 22 years. Helen Waddle Johnson, Springfield; her four daughters and their husbands, Ada and Wayne Copeland. Springfield, Carol and Bill Mann, Branson, Agaytha and Roger Pryer. Springfield, and Donna and Rob Perez, St.

Charles; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a In Loving Memory of Justin William Hampton August 10, 1982 October 7, 1998 Our beloved son and brother will celebrate his 17th birthday in heaven with his Lord. We who are left here love you and miss you so very much. We look forward to our joyous reunion In heaven. Your beautiful smile and your wonderful personality will never be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to have known you. We thank God daily for the privilege of being your family and friends.

Love ya forever. Mom, Dad, family and friends P.S. Mom could sure use one of your hugs right now. News-Leader home delivery saves time and money. Call 835-1122.