The Springfield News-Leader from Springfield, Missouri • Page 16

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 NEWS-LEADER FUNERAL NOTICES For details of services, see obituaries or call the listed funeral home. For addresses and phone numbers of local funeral service providers, visit and click on announcements. SPRINGFIELD Mrs. Ruby June Huffman, 79, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains. Mrs.

Cleta Elaine Frerking, 68, see obituary. Mr. Joseph M. Hellyer, 82, see obituary. Mr.

Richard Dean Ketcham, 61, see obituary. Mr. James N. "Tooter" McCallon, 84, see obituary. Mr.

Robert E. Schmedake, 79, see obituary. Mr. Clarence "J.R." Scroggins, 84, see obituary. Mr.

Howard Small, 69, Greenfield Funeral Chapel. Mr. George Harold Waterman, 85, Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Mr. Rodney Alan Weston, 54, Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte.

Mrs. Elizabeth Young, 78, Greenlawn Funeral Home North. AVA Mrs. Norma Lurene Harris, 77, Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. BRANSON Mrs.

June A. Burdick, 81, Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home. BUFFALO Mr. Alva W. Tucker 78, Montgomery-Viets Funeral Home.

CABOOL Mrs. Lillie Belle Ross, 98, see obituary. EL DORADO SPRINGS Mrs. Fayleen Sheppard, 60, Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. FALCON Mr.

Paul Nathan Kelly, 53, Shadel's Colonial Chapel, Lebanon. GOLDEN Mr. Arthur Jack Arnold, 77, Fohn Funeral Home, Cassville. HARTVILLE Mr. Leroy Spencer, 72, Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove.

HOLLISTER Mr. Paul E. Adams, 84, Greenlawn Funeral Home Branson. HOUSTON Mr. Wade Chloe Brown, 85, Evans Funeral Home.

MOUNT VERNON Mrs. Gayle Marthell (Bridges) Smith, 73, see obituary. NIXA Mr. Robert Earl Bishop, 82, see obituary. OZARK Mrs.

Mary Louise Kirby, 86, see obituary. PITTSBURG Mrs. Marjorie E. Pearson, 77, Hathaway-Peterman Funeral Home, Wheatland. RICHLAND Mr.

Richard R. Di Enno, 54, Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon. SEYMOUR Mrs. Bernarda F. Reyes, 79, see obituary.

WEAUBLEAU Mrs. Gloria G. Shamblin, 70, Murray Funeral Home, Humansville. WHEATLAND Mr. Raymond Everett Booze', 86, Butler Funeral Home, Bolivar.

WILLARD Mr. Melvin E. Thornton 78, see obituary. WILLOW SPRINGS Mr. Jimmy Ray "J.R." Crawford, 61, Willow Funeral Home.

NEWPORT, VA. Mrs. Patricia "Trish" Blades Wallace, 57, see obituary. Clarence Scroggins "J.R." Scroggins passed from this life on Sunday, July 13, surrounded by his family, at the age of 84. He fought a valiant battle until the end, a trait he's exhibited throughout his remarkable life.

Born October 13, 1923, in Phelps, Missouri, to Vernon Mae Jones and Clarence Perry Scroggins, he grew up in rural Missouri during the depression. He and his brother Lloyd joined the Army to fight in World War II. J.R. served with the 314th Infantry Regimen as the gunner of an 81 millimeter mortar. He served with passion and valor, landing in Normandy, France and eventually marching to Berlin, where he served through the war's end.

Upon returning home to Missouri, he married Mary Lou Rathmann on January 18, 1947. From that union came three children: Linda, Bill and John. For a few years, the family lived in California. There J.R. worked for General Motors before moving back to Missouri where he started his own service station in Mount Vernon.

He was well known for his ability to understand how things worked and always seemed to be fixing something for someone. J.R. continued to work as an auto painter and mechanic until he found a second career in insurance adiusting. His other passions, in addition to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, were baseball and golf. Not only did he enjoy watching baseball, but for couple of years served as an assistant coach for the Springfield Giants.

As he neared retirement, nearly every weekend was spent chasing golf balls out of water hazards with his closest friends. Shortly after his retirement, he suffered a devastating illness, Gillian Barre, and was hospitalized for a year. He demonstrated a level of strength and resilience in the face of adversity that amazed even his healthcare providers. For the remainder of his life, that strength of character continued to shine. In spite of his challenges, he continued to be fiercely independent and was always helping others.

In the past eight years, one of his greatest joys was attending dances with old and new friends at the Senior Centers in Nixa, Aurora and Mount Vernon. There he and his wife enjoyed many hours of music and friendship that brightened and supported them in good times, as well as bad. J.R. was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Perry and Vernon Mae, and his brother, Lloyd. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of Springfield; a daughter, Linda Buff and husband Mike of Springfield; a son Bill and wife Tina, of Vacaville, California; a son, John, of Springfield; granddaughters Jennifer Hall and husband Wayne of Coleville, California, and Malinda Taylor and husband Bill of Springfield; grandson Bryan Buff and wife Emily of Springfield and granddaughter Brittany and grandson James of Vacaville, California.

He is also survived by his Rebekah and T.J. of Springfield, and Cade and Brennen of Coleville, California; four nieces, a host of wonderful friends and neighbors, and his faithful dog Ninia. Memorial services are July 17, 2008, at 1 p.m., with visitation beginning at 12 p.m. Services will be held in Greenlawn Funeral Home North with interment to folthe Missouri Veteran's Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, at J.R.'s request, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association in care of the funeral home at 3506 North National in Springfield.

Greenlawn Acknowledge the loss, celebrate the life. For information regarding obituaries or memorials, please call (417) 836-1183, or go to or send fax to (417) 836-1221. NEWS-LEADER True Ozarks. I Obituaries and Funerals: Friends and families of the deceased have prepared these obituaries, funeral announcements and memoriams. They are a tribute to their loved ones' accomplishments and a service to friends who would like to pay their respects.

To submit announcements and discuss fees, please contact your funeral director or phone the News Leader's advertising department at (417) 836-1251 or 1-800-695-1972 between the hours of 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m, Monday through Saturday; Noon until 4 p.m. Sundays; Holiday hours will vary. E-mail us at by 4:30 p.m. Visit 4:30 for a for listing of funeral service providers.

To fax information, please send it to (417) 836-1221 Monday through Sunday. Obituaries must be received before p.m. the following day's publication. Richard Dean Ketcham Richard Dean Ketcham was born August 7, 1946, in Canistota, S.D. After graduating from high school in Canistota, he attended General Beadle State College of Madison, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1969.

He then taught and coached basketball and football for several years. He later moved to Springfield, where he met and married his best friend, Anne. Together they developed a home construction company. Richard had many hobbies such as pheasant hunting, travel, history of the old west, car races and studying God's word. Richard's faith walk was truly inspired when he experienced the Emmaus Walk.

He will always be remembered for his beautiful smile, his love of conversation with friends, his unwavering kindness, his devotion to his wife and his love and fun times with his family. Richard loved life. He was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist church where he so enjoyed singing and traveling with the choir. He was so grateful for the opportunity he had to tour Israel and Europe. Richard passed away July 12, 2008, after a brave fought battle with a long-term illness.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., in Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Funeral service will be Wednesday, July 16, at 1 p.m., in the funeral home. Greenlawn Robert E. Schmedake Robert E. Schmedake, 79, Springfield, passed away July 11, 2008, while in Primrose Place.

He was born August 14, 1928, in Anutt, Mo. Robert served in the military for two years during the Korean conflict. He was employed with IBM for 29 years. He worked as an Engineer from 1964 to 1992. He was united in marriage to Ina Lou McCleary on January 10, 1952, in Kansas City, Mo.

He attended church at Schweitzer UMC. He performed community service with American Legion. He was a member Lake Katrine, Gun Club, New Paltz, Gun Club in New York, Ozark Shooters and Springfield Gun Clubs in Mo. Robert enjoyed fishing, hunting, and trap and skeet. He received trophies in trap shooting competitions Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Bess (Headrick) Schmedake; father Henry Schmedake; sisters Charlotte Schmedake, Virginia Saladin; brother William Schmedake; and son-in-law Kevin Bithell.

He is survived by his wife; children, Ann and spouse Gary Brower, Karen and spouse Tim Schiff, Barbara Bithell, Robert and spouse Carol, Richard and spouse Georgeann; nine grandchildren, Nicole Alden, Sarah Hernandez, Timothy Schiff, Matthew Brower, Tyler Bithell, Michael Brower, Meghan Brower, Kaitlin Bevis, Eric Barnes; great-grandchildren, Mariah and Christian Hernandez; brother Ralph Schmedake, Macon, several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 7:30 p.m., July 18, 2008, in Greenlawn Funeral Home South. Burial will be held at 1 p.m., July 19, 2008, in Anutt Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., July 18, 2008, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of America or Schweitzer United Methodist Church.

Greenlawn Greenlawn Gayle Marthell (Bridges) Smith Gayle Marthell (Bridges) Smith, 73, passed from this earth on July 9, 2008, after a long illness. She was born on November 29, 1934, to Cleo and John Bridges in Mt. Vernon, Mo. She graduated from Aurora High School in 1953. For many years she lovingly cared for her mother and brother after a tragic car accident.

Over her lifetime Gayle had a variety of careers starting as waitress, secretary, owner of Queen Bee Bail Bonds, and last receptionist for one of Kansas City's largest law firms. Gayle is survived by three sons; Mark and Eric Vestal and John Smith, four grandsons and a great-grandaughter, Lylah. A lifelong Christian, Gayle loved studying the Bible. She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed writing poems, bird watching, and gardening. She was a loving and supportive mother who cherished her family and friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 16, 2008, 6 to 8 p.m. in Greenlawn North. Graveside services will be Thursday, 2 p.m. at Summit Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, Mo.

We love you, Mom, and we will miss you. We commend your soul to the Lord, Jesus Christ. You are finally free. Greenlawn Mary Louise Kirby Survivors include seven children, Shirley Kirby, Nixa, Nancy Lacy, Ozark, Kelly Kirby and wife Karen, Clinton, Tennessee, Bill Kirby, Ozark, Kay Ward and husband Ron, Coweta, Oklahoma, Randy Kirby, Nixa, and Mary Jo Harris, Springfield; 11 grandchildren, Michelle Whitener and husband Jodie, Darryl Roberts, Vicki Stafford and husband, Mark, Makel Deckard, Michael Homan, Scott Lacy and wife Bridget, Kimberly Kirby, Ashley Kirby, Matthew Secker, Joseph Secker and Lane Kirby; 15 great-grandchildren, Niki Thornton, Codi Luce, Garrett Roberts, Tanner Roberts, Jonathan Deckard, Zachary Deckard, Jacob Lorenz, Destiny Lorenz, Tucker Homan, Jace Homan Kaedon Lacy, Brett Kirby, Christopher Kirby, Nathan Kirby and Mackenzie Kirby; a great grandchild Jordon Thornton; two sisters, Margaret husband Johnny, and Betty Wright; a brother, Harley Nichols and wife Marilyn; and her many friends at Century Pines and throughout the community. The family would like to extend special thanks to Century Pines staff for their loving care.

Also a thank you to Community Hospice, making life easier for her when she became ill. The family requests memorials to Community Hospice. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Pastor Bob Long and Pastor Ben Dewitt officiating. Burial will follow in Weaver Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Adams Funeral Mary Louise Kirby, age 86, of Ozark, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2008, in Century Pines. She was born March 28, 1922, in Benton, Arkansas, one of 14 children of Thomas Andrew Nichols and Nellie Louella (Mason) Nichols. She was married to J.B. Kirby and together they had 7 children.

She and her husband owned a grocery store. Mary later worked for Native Woods, Baird's Grocery, Ben Franklin, and asl a caregiver. She was a long Baptist Church. time member of Victory Home, Ozark. ADAMS ADAMS Three Generations Funeral of Family Service Ozark Chapel 417-581-2400 www.adamsfuneralhome.net James N.

"Tooter" McCallon James N. McCallon of Springfield, passed away at age 84 on July 13, 2008, in his home in Springfield, Mo. He was born on August 18, 1923, in West Plains, to Earl R. and Sadie McCallon. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, and a son, Maior John G. McCallon. He is survived by his daughter and -law, Mary and Scott Rhodes; grandchildren Marian Andrew and McCallon; Emily of Springfield; Ragrandchildren chael and Michael of Brandon, brother Earl McCallon; sister Lu Larson; and his grand-dog Dodger. He was a veteran of World War 11, a navy Radioman serving on North convoy duty, North Africa, Italy, Anzio and Normandy. After V-E Day, he was assigned to an Amphibious Landing Craft Tank group in the Philippines.

Jim attended Drury College and graduated from MUKC College of Pharmacy. He enjoyed his family and friends, golf, fishing, and floating the beautiful Ozark rivers. He loved traveling and made friends easily. He never met a stranger. He was a "dapper" dresser and loved spending time each day helping with and attending mass at Mercy Villa.

He was the greatest husband, father and grandfather. No one was more caring than him in every way. Whether zip lining in Alaska at 83 or playing with his golf buddies in the Springfield Senior Golf Association, he truly lived everyday to the fullest. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, July 16 at 9:30 a.m., in Immaculate Catholic Church with Father Lewis Heina celebrant, under the direction of GormanScharpf Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Missouri Veterans Cemetery at 11 a.m.

At his request, there will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Carmelite Nuns, 424 Monastery Springfield, MO 65807. Bernarda F. Reyes Bernarda F. Reyes, 79, of Seymour, passed away Friday, July 11, 2008 in St.

John's Regional Health Center in Springfield, Mo. Services will be Thursday, July 17, 2008, at 10 a.m. in the Zion Lutheran Church in Diggins, with Pastor Dana Wilkie officiating. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery, north of Seymour, under direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Seymour, Mo. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Hospice Care in care of the funeral home P. O. Box 366, Seymour, Mo. 65746.

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