Evans, Wilma M.
November 29, 2011
Wilma M. Evans, 96, St. Joseph, MO, passed away Sunday, November 27, 2011, at Carriage Square Health Care Center.
Wilma was born on March 15, 1915, in Callaway, Nebraska, to Curtis and Pearl (Filmer) Ogg.
Wilma was a homemaker and a member of Patee Park Baptist Church.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Orval Ogg, infant brother, Melvin Ogg and sisters, Marjorie Schwang and Edna Ogg.
Wilma is survived by her husband, Howard Evans, of the Veterans Home in Cameron, MO; two sons, Ronald L. Evans, Kansas City, MO and Larry H. Evans, Dearborn, MO; two daughters, Kay (Stephen) Fisher, St. Joseph, MO and Linda (Terry) Searcy, Dearborn, MO; six grandchildren, Brad Fisher, Mark Fisher, Melanie Hollingsworth, Kim Kelley, Katie Searcy and Trevor Searcy; and one great-grandson, Noah Fisher.
Services 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Interment Mount Auburn Cemetery.
Visitation will begin after 12:00 noon Wednesday at our Chapel, where the family will receive friends 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
The Family suggests memorials to Patee Park Baptist Church Food Pantry, or to Asera Care Hospice.
Andres, Helen V.
November 29, 2011
Helen V. (Rogers) Andres, 96, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, November 27, 2011, at her home.
Helen was born on August 24, 1915, in Kansas City, MO, to Edward C. and Georgia Mae (Young) Rogers. She attended St. Patrick Grade School and Convent of the Sacred Heart in St. Joseph. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, where she served as a Communion Minister and past-president of St. Ann’s Altar Society. She was the last original founding member of Cootie Club, which was founded in 1935.
Helen had been employed at JC Penney and Herman Drug Store as a sales clerk
Helen married Robert W. “Shorty” Andres. He passed away on May 21, 1976. She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Edward C. Andres; son-in-law, Angelo Scalisi and grandson, Michael Gilley.
Survivors include two sons, Roger (Nellie) Andres and Robert (Lola) Andres, St. Joseph, MO; three daughters, Helen Jo (Fred) Gilley, St. Joseph, Sheila Scalisi, Ballwin, MO and Carol (Donald) Johnson, St. Joseph; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.
Celebration of Life and Rebirth 10:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Visitation will begin after 9:00 a.m. Thursday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. The Family will receive friends 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m.
The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Patrick Catholic Church.
Wolfe, Candace “Candy”
November 28, 2011
Faucett, MO – Candace “Candy” Wolfe, 69, passed away Sunday, November 27, 2011, at Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph.
Candy was born on March 26, 1942, in St. Joseph, MO to Melvin and Lucille (Stanton) Poage. She was a graduate of Savannah High School. She married John E. Wolfe on November 24, 1960. They recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. She was a member of Willowbrook Community Club and attended Faucett Baptist Church. Candy enjoyed cooking, reading, playing Bingo and taking long cruises.
Candy was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Phyllis Willmore.
Survivors include her husband, John E. Wolfe of the home; sons, Shannon (Linda) Wolfe, St. Joseph, MO, and Kevin (Shelly) Wolfe, Faucett, MO; daughter, Stacy (Robert) Dreier, Faucett, MO; grandchildren, Brian, Misty, Jonna, Tyler, Trevor, Darrin (Bethany) and Emily; great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Brianna, Kaitlin, Bailey, Justin, Samantha and Chloe; sister, Willa Parsley, Cameron, MO and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will begin after 12:00 noon Tuesday at the Chapel, where the family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Willowbrook Community Center or to a charity of your choice.
Gifford F. Helen
November 28, 2011
Helen F. (Maple) Gifford, 96, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at a local health care center.
Helen was born on July 5, 1915 in Savannah, Missouri to Bert and Pearl Maple. She grew up in Oregon, Missouri and graduated from school there.
She married Gerald Gifford on July 15, 1935. They loved and lived together in St. Joseph for 58 years until his passing on February 8, 1993. She was also preceded by her parents, two daughters, Judith Kay Taylor and Marsha Gayle Beeler; one sister, Rhetta Cooksey.
Survivors include, two sons, Robert L. Beeler, Kansas City, Missouri and Thomas L. Taylor and his wife Joan, St. Joseph, Missouri; four grandchildren, Jeffery Beeler andJames Burk, Todd Beeler and Penny, Stephen Beeler and Audrea, Melissa Schafer and Jason; six great-grandchildren, Zachery, Seth and Chase Beeler, Victoria and Cody Beeler and Judith Katherine Schafer.
Graveside services 2pm Wednesday at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin after 1:00pm Tuesday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to First Presbyterian Church, St. Joseph, Missouri.
Whitmore, Sharon K. (Jenkins)
November 26, 2011
Sharon K. (Jenkins) Whitmore
1946-2011
Sharon K. (Jenkins) Whitmore passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2011 surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous fight with cancer.
Sharon was born on December 24, 1946 in Brookfield, Missouri to Jack and Hazel (Peink) Jenkins.
Sharon graduated from Brookfield High School where she was prom queen and a cheerleader. She was employed for over forty years at Seitz/Sara Lee, during which she made many cherished friends.
Sharon was an extraordinary woman who cherished ordinary life. To know her was to love her and she made everyone feel special. She was generous and friendly. She loved her family very much and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include, her husband of 44 years, Jim Whitmore, daughter and best friend, Jima Whitmore, of St. Joseph; brothers, Phillip (Louise) Jenkins, of Topeka; Paul (Vickie) Jenkins, of Sherman, Illinois; brother-in-law Larry (Linda) Whitmore, of Dearborn, Missouri; and nieces Dr. Susan Jenkins, Jennifer Jenkins and Elizabeth Jenkins Kunz.
Sharon is preceded in death by her parents and niece Teresa Jenkins-Carson.
Visitation will begin after 12:00 noon Monday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel.
The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 pm Monday evening.
Yost, Florine Virginia
November 23, 2011
Florine Virginia (Holt) Yost, St. Joseph, passed away November 23, 2011 at a local health care center after what she described as “a long and wonderful life of 97 years”. Florine was born on March 28, 1914 to Harold Isaac Holt and Alma Sedalia (Thomann) Holt in Helena, Missouri. She moved to Savannah, MO in 1928 when her father was elected sheriff of Andrew County. As a teenager, Florine helped her mother cook the meals for the prisoners. She graduated from Savannah High School in 1932. She married Marvin E. Yost on November 4, 1933 in Bethany, MO . They moved to St. Joseph where they lived the rest of their lives.
They had two daughters, Phyllis Anne and Janice Marie. Both became talented musicians and Florine sewed beautiful costumes for the Yost Sisters as they performed all over the Midwest and on radio and television. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for 10 years, and an instructor for Girl Scout leaders. During World War II, she did volunteer work for the U.S.O. She worked for Noma Lites for three years. She assisted Marvin in their business of shipping M & W Gear Company tractor parts and D.M.I. dual wheels to their customers. They co-owned Power Tools on the Belt Highway and they both worked there until retiring. After her husband passed away, she helped her son-in-law, Byron Myers, at Belt Antique Mall.
Florine “Gram” was a very devoted mother and grandmother and spent her life doing what she loved, taking care of her family. She was always giving to others. For 41 years, she anonymously gave scholarships for young people to go on New Generation Singers’ tours. She was a wonderful cook and hosted weekly family dinners until she was physically unable to do it. She took her entire family on many cruises forming a strong bond among all its five generations. She frequently babysat all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attended most of their musical performances and sporting events. She deeply loved her family and let them know it. She was proud of all of them . Florine was a positive role model for her entire family.
Florine was a member of Ashland United Methodist Church, and was a devoted supporter and honorary member of the New Generation Singers. As a young girl, she sang with her three sisters at church revivals around Helena, MO. She taught Sunday School for many years.
Florine was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Marvin in 1993; her daughter , Janice M. Bowman in 2001; her parents Harold & Alma Holt; and three sisters, Leola Nicholas, Estella Nold, and Mary Kathryn Reece.
Surviving her are daughter Phyllis (Byron) Myers of St. Joseph; grandchildren Dee Ann (Mike) Vestal, Lisa (Brian) Bodenhausen , Byron D. II (Carol) Myers, all of St. Joseph, and Shellie Bowman and Carmalida Austin-Kent of San Diego, California. Great-grandchildren surviving are Joshua (Christina) Heckman, Patrick (Sara) Lile, Allison Lile, all of St. Joseph; Drew and Arielle Bodenhausen of Denver,CO; Luke Bodenhausen of Ovando, MT; Seth Bodenhausen of Whitefish, MT; Byron III (BJ) Myers and Joey Myers of St. Joseph. Great-great-grandchildren are Tyson and Emery Lile of St. Joseph. She is also survived by sister-in-law Arla Yost of Denver, CO and numerous nieces and nephews.
While we’ll miss her terribly, she was a creative, humerous, caring, loving, generous and amazing woman that blessed us with beautiful impressions on our hearts and our lives that we’ll cherish forever.
Services 10:00 am Saturday, at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Interment Savannah Cemetery, Savannah, Missouri.
Visitation will begin after 12:00 Noon Friday with the family to receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm that evening.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the New Generation Singers Scholarship Fund.
Haskey, Evelyn L.
November 22, 2011
Evelyn Haskey, 96, passed away Monday November 21, 2011 at Vintage Gardens South.
Evelyn was born on June 15, 1915 in Severance, Kansas to John and Pearl (Simpson) Wertin. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lawrence; a brother John; and sisters, Teresa Shay, Margaret Schaufler, Alyce Dycus and Frances Wertin.
Evelyn was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church for over 60 years, the St. Anne’s Altar Society, and the Daughters of Isabella. She had volunteered at the SFX House of Bread, served on the funeral luncheon committee, and was a member of the choir for many years. Evelyn worked at Westab, and retired from Sears , Roebuck & Co.
Evelyn is survived by her son Dave Haskey, Savannah, Missouri; daughter and son-in-law, Martha and David Bullimore, St. Joseph; 4 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and niece Judy Sheehan.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Horigan Chapel on Wednesday, November 23, at 11:00 am. Interment Mount Olivet cemetery.
The family will receive friends after a Daughters of Isabella rosary at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, November 22. Visitation will conclude with a prayer service at 6:00 pm
The family suggests memorials to St. Francis Xavier Church or the SFX House of Bread.
Akins, Byron L.
November 22, 2011
Byron L. Akins, 84, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2011 at his home.
Byron was born on December 11, 1926 in Union Star, Missouri to Fred and Pauline Akins.
He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and had retired from farming. Byron and his wife also volunteered at the Food Kitchen. He was a member of Carnegie Baptist Church and member of King Hill Lodge #376.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Clarence Akins, step-daughter, Judy Mallady.
Byron married Helen M. Wilson on March 19, 1987 in Hesston, Kansas, She survives of the home.
Additional survivors include his son, Steven Akins, Scottsdale, Arizona; sister, Carol Duley, Midland, Texas; step-daughter, Wanda Fortune, Dothan, Alabama, sister-in-law, Carmelita Akins, King City, Missouri; four grandsons, and one granddaughter and several nieces and nephews..
Services 1:30pm Wednesday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin after 1:00pm Tuesday at our chapel, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm.
Hunt, Gregory Lee
November 17, 2011
Gregory Lee Hunt
1954 – 2011
Gregory Lee Hunt, 57, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
Gregory was born on February 7, 1954 in Leavenworth, Kansas to Beauford and Louise (Wright) Hunt.
Gregory worked as shift foreman for KC Power & Light for 32 years and then later on as a consultant with Digital Ocean, also of KC Power & Light. He was a member of the United States Army for nine years and served in Vietnam. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.
He is preceded in death by his father.
Survivors include wife, Michelle (McDonald) Hunt, of the Home; daughters, Corie Masterson, Christine Prussman, Tracey Miller, and Melissa Burnett; sons, Adam Hunt and Tom R. Burnett; brothers, Harry and David Hunt; sisters, Janet Everett, Cheryl Jacks, and Beverly Heath; mother, Louise Hunt, and eight grandchildren.
Memorial service 1:00 pm Saturday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel.
Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.
Memorial contributions can be made out to The American Cancer Society.
Nowland, Susanah F.
November 12, 2011
Susanah F. Nowland
1911 – 2011
Susanah F. Nowland, 99, lifelong resident of St. Joseph, MO, passed away Friday, November 11, 2011, at a St. Joseph health care center.
Susanah was born on November 28, 1911, in St. Joseph, to Frank and Maude (Davis) Nowland. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Msgr. Charles S. Nowland and two sisters, Louise and Catherine.
Susanah was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Mary Altar Society, Daughters of Isabella, Ladies of Charity and Oblates of St. Benedict’s. She graduated from Convent of the Sacred Heart. She was a Girl Scout and later, a Girl Scout Leader. She was a volunteer for the Open Door Food Kitchen for over 20 years. She worked as a bookkeeper for Townsend & Wall for 33 years, retiring in 1975.
Susanah is survived by one niece, Karen Springer; one nephew, Charles R. Felling; and several great-nieces and great-nephews, including Laurie Schneider, Mike Mazur, Jim Mazur and Theresa Orzel.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Horigan Chapel. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery, St. Joseph.
Visitation will begin after 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel, where the family will receive friends following a 6:00 p.m. Rosary until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening.
The family suggests memorials to St. Mary Catholic Church.
Martin, Georgia O.
November 8, 2011
Georgia O. Martin
1915-2011
Georgia O. Martin, 96, passed away November 7, 2011 at a local nursing facility.
Georgia was born on March 17, 1915 in St. Joseph to Eli and Cora Alice (Scroggins) Arnold.
Georgia worked at Swift & Company for 30 years, until her retirement in 1977, and was a member of the Patee Park Christian Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents, one son, Norman Martin, three brothers, Cecil, Harold, and Edward Arnold; two sisters, Connie Hinton and Frances Pollard.
Surviving family includes son, Neal Arnold and companion Patricia Meyer, of St. Joseph; six grandchildren, Teresa Dillon, David Arnold, Hank Martin, Shiela Clemens, Chris Martin and Shanon Martin; twenty-two great-grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and an abundance of close friends and caregivers.
Services 11:00 am Thursday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel.
Interment Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will begin after 12:00 Noon Wednesday at our Chapel, where the family will receives friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
The family suggests Memorial contributions to Kendallwood Hospice.
Kunels, Faye A.
November 8, 2011
Faye A. Kunels
1929 – 2011
Platte City, MO- Faye A. Kunels, 81, passed away Monday, November 7, 2011.
Faye was born in Savannah, MO on December 13, 1929, to Grover and Beulah (Brand) Crowley. She was a graduate of Savannah High School and a member of First Nodaway Primitive Baptist Church in Savannah.
Faye married James Kunels on October 29, 1949. He passed away on November 21, 1992. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Fern Coats.
Survivors include one daughter Jima (John) Townsend, Platte City, MO; two sons, Marc (Sharon) Kunels, St. Joseph, MO and Nick (JaNette) Kunels, Platte City, MO; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Services 10:00 a.m. Friday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will begin after 9:00 a.m. Thursday at the Chapel, where the family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening.
The family suggests memorials to First Nodaway Primitive Baptist Church in care of the Funeral Home.
Swope, Wilma
November 3, 2011
Wilma Swope
1929 – 2011
Wilma (Davis) Swope, 82, St. Joseph, MO, passed away Thursday, November 3, 2011, with her family by her side.
Wilma was born May 19, 1929, in Oregon, MO to Fred and Katherine Terry Davis.
She married Louis Swope on March 4, 1951. He preceded her in death in 1986. Wilma was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Doyle and Norman Davis, one sister, Dorothy Davis and one grandson, Brian Swope.
Wilma was a homemaker. She and Louis owned and operated Swope’s Market. Her greatest passion was spending time with her family.
Survivors include a son, Steve and DiAnne Swope; two daughters, Ruth and Mike Gaddie and Katherine and Scott Weston; grandchildren, Chad Gaddie, Jenni Gaddie, Juli Conley, Rob Weston, Kelly Swope, Daniel Weston and Hillary Weston; and five great- grandchildren.
Mrs. Swope has been cremated under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Visitation will begin after 12:00 p.m. Sunday at the Chapel, where the family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening. There will be a private memorial service at a later date.
The family suggests memorials to Hands of Hope Hospice or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Dorothy Jean Sollars
November 2, 2011
Dorothy Jean Sollars
1928 – 2011
Dorothy Jean Sollars, 83, Savannah, Missouri, passed away Sunday, October 30, 2011 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
Dorothy was born August 26, 1928 in Wathena, Kansas to Joseph Edward and Emma Catherine (Jones) Redmond. She married Clarence E. Sollars, Jr. on August 2, 1947 in Wathena, he preceded her in death on June 5, 2003 after 55 years of marriage.
Dorothy was a manager of retail sales for Mode-O-Day Dress Shop at the East Hills Shopping Center. She was also the proprietor of Beacon of Life Bible Shop.
Dorothy was a faithful attendee of First Baptist Church of Savannah and a member of Todd Community Club. She loved to read and enjoyed sewing.
Dorothy was also predeceased by her parents; and two brothers, Joseph and Wallace Redmond, as well as her beloved dog, Gus.
Survivors include two daughters, Nancy Jo (Mike) Breit, Blue Eye, Missouri,Debra June (Bob) Coats, Savannah; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial services 1:30 pm, Saturday at First Baptist Church, Savannah. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the Church. Inurnment Mt. Mora Cemetery. Mrs. Sollars has been cremated under the direction of
Heaton-Bowman-Smith Savannah Chapel.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Savannah Senior Citizens Center or First Baptist Church in Savannah.
O’Rourke, Jack E.
November 2, 2011
Jack E. O’Rourke
1929 – 2011
John Eugene (Jack) O’Rourke went to be with the Lord Monday, October 31, 2011 surrounded by his family at home.
Jack was born May 18, 1929 to John C. and Clara C. (Lehmer) O’Rourke and was a lifelong resident of St. Joseph, Missouri
He married Anna Bell Nelson on June 26, 1954, at St. James Catholic Church and they are parents of five children: Colleen (Dave) Sweet, Mary (Doug) Holland, Peggy (Scott) Shaw, John (Ursula) O’Rourke, all of St. Joseph; and Jeanie (Bill) Breit, Lee’s Summit, MO. Survivors also include 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a brother Ronnie O’Rourke. His parents, as well as a sister, Helen Ozburn are deceased.
Jack worked as cashier for Mechanics Bank after graduating Salutatorian of his Christian Brothers High School class of 1947. Jack also served two years in the Army (1951-1953), where he attained the rank of sergeant.
Upon Returning to the banking business, Jack became senior vice-president at Mechanics Bank, (later Commerce Bank) serving as president of Bank Auditors and Comptrollers, and secretary/treasurer of the St. Joseph Clearing House Association. He completed the accounting program at Platt College and numerous American Institute of Banking courses.
Retiring from banking, Jack then served 13 years as parish administrator for St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
Jack was active in the United Way and YMCA membership campaigns.
A lifelong member of St. Francis, Jack served as president of the Holy Name Society. He is a member of the companions of the Precious Blood. Jack served as a lector, Eucharistic minister, as well as visiting nursing homes, and the homebound. He served on the Vocation Committee and parish program for catechumenates. Jack was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and American Legion Post 359.
Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Thursday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Visitation will begin after 11:00 am Wednesday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden chapel until 4:00 pm Wednesday. Mr. O’Rourke will arrive at St. Francis Xavier Church, where the Rosary will begin at 6:00 pm with visitation until 8:00 pm.
The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Francis Xavier Church or Hands of Hope Hospice.
Miller, Whit
November 2, 2011
Whit Miller
1955 – 2011
Eugene Whitney “Whit” Miller, 56, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2011, at his home.
Whit was born on March 9, 1955, in St. Joseph, to Wade and Sherry (Steeby) Miller. He was a graduate of Savannah High School. During his school years, Whit was very active in sports, especially wrestling. He attended Missouri Western State University and worked at the family owned business, St. Joseph Fuel Oil, where he was a project manager. He umpired Pony Express Baseball, which brought him lots of joy and he also loved bowling. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and his true love, Trinney.
Whit was a member of Savannah United Methodist Church; and a former member of Lincoln Lodge. He was a 32 degree mason and member of Scottish Rites and Moila Shrine Temple.
He was preceded in death by his father, Wade Miller; brother, Bart Miller, maternal grandparents; Grant and Ola Steeby; paternal grandparents, Eugene and Clara Miller; and other grandparents, Bert and Martha Niebuhr.
Whit will be sadly missed by his wife, Theresa (Gatton) Miller, of the home; two daughters, Angel (Chris) Perez, Stacey (David) Ingram and son, Richey Tiffany, all of St. Joseph, MO; grandchildren, Hunter and Caden Perez, Chaz,and Tristan Ingram and Clayton Tiffany; mother, Sherry (Bob) Niebuhr, Savannah, MO; sister, Debbie (Bob) Thorburn, Fillmore, MO; two brothers, Tim Miller, Savannah, MO and Bret Miller, St. Joseph, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Rev. Cindy Buhman officiating.
Visitation will begin after 5:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Chapel where the family will receive friends 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the MS Society.
Fisher, Margaret M.
November 2, 2011
Margaret M. Fisher
1926 -2011
Margaret Mary Durbala Fisher was born August 9,1926 to Frank and Margaret Durbala in West Saint Paul, Minnesota and went to her Eternal rest on Friday, October 28, 2011, at LaVerna Village in Savannah, Missouri. She was the eldest of six children. As an infant she and her parents moved to a farm outside of Lovilia, Iowa where her siblings were born. As a young lady she left the farm to pursue her education at boarding school in Ottumwa, Iowa. She received her high school diploma and college degree at Ottumwa Heights Academy and Ottumwa Heights College respectively. After graduation she moved to Des Moines, Iowa and gained employment as a bookkeeper for several companies.
Some years later she accepted a transfer from her employer, Standard Oil Company, requiring her to leave her family and beloved Iowa to relocate in Kansas City, Missouri. There at a Catholic singles dance she met a man with whom she would share the rest of her life. She and Michael R. Fisher were married May 1, 1965 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Lovilia, Iowa becoming a family with his three sons.
After retirement she and Michael devoted themselves to the Saint Joseph Archaeological Society which Michael had established in 1964 and was the sole president until 2009. Marge was his tireless companion who supported all the Society’s endeavors such as monthly meetings, numerous outings , lectures, and archaeological digs some of which were Robidoux Row, The Pony Express Museum, Fort Smith Civil War site in Saint Joseph, Mo and other sites around the state. Over the years Marge and Mike shared many special vacations with his WWII bomber crew members and their spouses around the United States, England, and The Dominican Republic. Part of their daily post retirement routine was walking in the “Mall” after attending Mass. There they established and maintained friendships with other “Mall Walkers”. After their walk they adjourned to McDonalds for coffee and joined another group of ever expanding friends over the past 20 years. This group is composed of many cherished friends who provided much camaraderie. Together they served at House of Bread in return for the blessings they had received. As a cradle Catholic she was a member of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church of Saint Joseph for the past 46 years. At Saint Francis Marge served on the Altar Society and as a Lector at mass.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Tom Durbala and brother-in-law Norman Baldus. Those remaining to cherish her memory are her husband, Michael , Saint Joseph, MO, stepsons Michael, Tempe, AZ, Timothy (Linda) , Kansas City, MO, and Christopher, Saint Joseph, MO. Siblings Bob (Suzanne) Durbala, Newton, Iowa, Patricia Baldus, Ames, Iowa, Marion Durbala, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jean (Joe)Hollinrake, Lovilia, Iowa and sister-in-law, Margaret Durbala, Ames, Iowa. Many nieces, nephews, and friends also mourn her passing.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery, St. Joseph, MO.
Visitation will begin after 9:00 a.m. Monday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Rosary 6:00 p.m. Monday at our Chapel. The family will receive friends following the Rosary until 8:00 p.m.The family suggests memorials to St. Francis House of Bread or to Donor’s choice.