AURORA, Mo. - Harley H. Fritts, 80, Aurora, died at 2:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 1997, at a local nursing home after a long illness. Mr. Fritts was born Feb. 24, 1917, in Aurora. He was a lifelong local resident. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a retired cutting-room foreman at a shoe factory. He was a member of First Christian Church, Aurora. He married Pauline Parker in 1939. She survives. Other survivors include a son, Don Fritts, Verona; two grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Maple Park Cemetery, Aurora. Chaplain Doug Burwick will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home. Contributions may be made to the Hospice of Southwest Missouri.

Mabel McKenzie

NEVADA, Mo. - Mabel Ruth McKenzie, 86, Nevada, died Monday, April 14, 1997, at a local nursing home after a long illness. Mrs. McKenzie was born Nov. 4, 1910, at Zodiac. She was a lifelong resident of the Moundville and Nevada areas. She retired in 1975 from Cottey College. She was a member of First Christian Church, Nevada, and Wayside Club, Moundville. She married Cecil McKenzie on June 7, 1941, at Harrisonville. He survives. Additional survivors include a son, Dennis McKenzie, Nevada; three daughters, Gail Wysong and Patsy Campbell, both of Nevada, and Kay VonHolten, Arlington, Texas; two sisters, Edna Ricketts, Nevada, and Artie Evans, Arma; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Milster Funeral Home, Nevada. The Rev. Harold Shields will officiate. Burial will be in Welborn Cemetery, Moundville. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to First Christian Church, Nevada, Welborn Cemetery Association, Moundville, or the Parkinson Foundation.

Leila Neely

CARTHAGE, Mo. - Leila L. Neely, 90, 712 Walnut St., Carthage, died at 10:24 p.m. Monday, April 14, 1997, at her home after a long illness. Mrs. Neely was born Oct. 27, 1906, at Red Rock, Okla. She started work in 1927 as a machine operator at Big Smith and was employed there 44 years. She married Clark ``Leslie'' Neely on June 10, 1930, in Columbus, Kan. He died Sept. 25, 1974. She is survived by two nieces, Sarah K. Jones and Sally Ann Ewley, both of Carthage, whom she raised in her home. Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Ulmer Funeral Home. Mitch Miles, minister, will officiate. Burial will be in Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to St. John's Hospice.

Bernice Powell

JASPER, Mo. - Bernice Irene Powell, 78, Jasper, died at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 1997, at a Carthage nursing home after a long illness. Mrs. Powell was born June 15, 1918, at Creston, Iowa. She moved to Jasper in 1951 from the state of Iowa. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Jasper Christian Church, the Jasper Ambulance Service's auxiliary and the Literary Society. She married Raymond Powell on March 9, 1941, at Creston. He died Dec. 17, 1996. Survivors include two sons, Ralph Powell, Wichita, Kan., and Dale Powell, Skidmore; three daughters, Shirley Shoup, Webb City, Joyce Powers, Carthage, and Jean Stricklund, British Columbia, Canada; a brother, James Ross, Oakland, Calif.; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Weng Funeral Home, Jasper. Steve Bryant, minister, will officiate. Burial will be in Paradise Cemetery, south of Jasper. Contributions may be made to Good News Productions, in care of the funeral home.

Grace Rainey

NEOSHO, Mo. - Grace Rainey, 81, Neosho, died at 3:50 p.m. Monday, April 14, 1997, at a local nursing home after a short illness. Mrs. Rainey was born July 10, 1915, at Halfway. She lived in Southwest City for 23 years before she moved to Neosho this year. She was a homemaker and a member of Upper Room Church, Neosho. She married Fred F. Rainey on Dec. 25, 1931, at Halfway. He died Jan. 10, 1996. Survivors include two sons, David Rainey, Carthage, and Benny Rainey, Overland Park, Kan.; three daughters, Wanda Cobb, Neosho, Grace Ann Williams, Carthage, and Mary Lou Restivo, Lynchburg, Va.; a brother, Melvin Hayes, state of California; a sister, Eva Ponte, Reno, Nev.; 18 grandchildren; 26 great- grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Clark Funeral Home, Neosho. The Rev. Jo Ann Hutsell will officiate. Burial will be in Muncie Chapel Cemetery, Wheaton. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, in care of the funeral home.

Inez Shultz

LAMAR, Mo. - Inez Eva Shultz, 88, Lamar, died at 1:10 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 1997, in a Lamar nursing center after a short illness. Mrs. Shultz was born Jan. 3, 1909, at Ulysses, Kan. She had lived in Lamar since Oct. 1, 1991, when she moved from rural Liberal. She and her husband owned and operated Shultz's Station on Highway 43 for 32 years. She was a member of Nashville Christian Church, where she participated in the Ladies Bible Group. After she moved to Lamar, she became a member of First Christian Church, Lamar. She was a past matron of the Order of Eastern Star and was a member of the 81 Club, the Maid and Matrons Club, and the 43rd Club. She married Ralph Shultz on Oct. 23, 1928, at Fort Scott, Kan. He died Dec. 10, 1972. Survivors include three brothers, Delton Wade, Bolivar, Clayton Wade, Richardson, Texas, and O.J. Wade, Redfield, Kan.; and a sister, Virginia Craig, Vallejo, Calif. She was preceded in death by two infant daughters. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Lohmeyer-Konantz Funeral Home, Lamar. Doug Oakes, minister, will officiate. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery, Pittsburg, Kan. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Pallbearers will be Wayne Peterson, Ed Walker, Melvin Worley, Rodney Overman, Pat McFarland, Glen Seibel, Max Rose and Denzil Rice.

Kathryn Brownlee

CHEROKEE, Kan. - Kathryn Ann Brownlee, 62, Cherokee, died at 2:19 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 1997, at Mount Carmel Medical Center, Pittsburg, after a sudden illness. Mrs. Brownlee was born Aug. 24, 1934, at Scammon. She attended Columbus and Weir schools. She was a lifelong Southeast Kansas resident and moved from Weir to Cherokee in 1982. She had worked at Ascanio's IGA, Cherokee. She worked at R&J's convenience store, Cherokee. She was a member of St. Bridget's Catholic Church, Scammon, and the Altar Society. She married George Brownlee on June 13, 1953, at Weir. He survives. Additional survivors include two daughters, Trudy Peak, Cherokee, and Theresa Felker, Joplin, Mo.; her mother, Gertrude Harrigan McKenna, Branson, Mo.; two brothers, Joseph McKenna, Kansas City, Mo., and Edward McKenna, Branson; four sisters, Mary Wilson and Veronica Boyce, both of Frontenac, Lillian Wayenburg, Mission, and Philomena Fromong, Independence; and four grandchildren. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, Scammon. Fathers Chris Zich and Chrysostom Ah Maung will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bridget's Cemetery. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. today at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, Weir. Friends may call after 2 p.m. today at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends until 8:30 p.m. today.

Frances Seitz

GALENA, Kan. - Frances Pauline Seitz, 37, 7538 SE Messer Road, died at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 1997, at St. John's Regional Medical Center, Joplin, Mo., after a long illness. Mrs. Seitz was born Oct. 5, 1959, at Nevada, Mo. She moved to Galena about six months ago from Baxter Springs. She was a production electrician at OMC Chris Craft of Sarasota, Fla., and LaBarge Inc. of Joplin. She also had worked until 1991 at Pillsbury Co., Joplin. She was a member of Tennessee Prairie Friends Church, rural Baxter Springs. She led Girl Scout Troop 11, Baxter Springs. She married Darrell Seitz on Dec. 29, 1989, at Bradenton, Fla. He survives. Additional survivors include a son, Christopher Gastineau, Joplin; a daughter, Miranda Harrington, of the home; her parents, Paul and Mary Bever, Joplin; three brothers, Jeffery Bever, Joplin, Roger Bever, Kansas City, Mo., and Ernie Bever, Lawrence; and two sisters, Lee Hickman, Joplin, and Ruth Gaston, Bradenton. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Derfelt's Baxter Chapel, Baxter Springs. The Rev. Dave Robinson will officiate. Burial will be in Lowell (Kan.) Cemetery, with the Rev. Roger Noah officiating. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to the ``Rainbow Promises'' support group, in care of First United Methodist Church, Baxter Springs.

Sherri Seay

GROVE, Okla. - Sherri Lynn Seay, 20, Grove, died at 1:55 a.m. Monday, April 14, 1997, at a Tulsa nursing home. Miss Seay was born June 9, 1976, in Gravette, Ark. Survivors include her parents, Wayne and Cindy Seay, of the home; a brother, Nicholas Dwane Seay, of the home; a sister, Valeri Renee Seay, of the home; maternal grandparents, Claude W. and Eleanor Jean Gibe, Jay; and paternal grandmother, Olive Luella Seay, Jay. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at First Assembly of God Church, Jay. The Rev. Coy Scroggins will officiate. Burial will be in Spavinaw Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 7 p.m. today at Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove.

LeRoy Uttley

GROVE, Okla. - Bernice ``LeRoy'' Uttley, 77, Grove, died at 1:30 a.m. Friday, April 15, 1997, at a local nursing home after a long illness. Mr. Uttley was born Oct. 21, 1919, at Hume, Mo. He moved to the area in 1981 from Pittsburg, Kan. He worked for 40 years as a Kansas City Southern Railroad Co. foreman. He was a member of St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, Grove, the American Legion, the Moose Lodge and the Grand Lake Audubon Society. He married Josephine Zitnick on Aug. 10, 1941, at Scammon, Kan. She survives. Additional survivors include a son, James Uttley, Peachtree City, Ga.; a daughter, Claire Hamilton, Parsons, Kan.; a brother, Bob Uttley, Grove; a sister, Joan Shonk, Gonzalez, La.; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church. Father Kenneth King will officiate. Burial will be in Olympus Cemetery, Grove. Military rites will be conducted by the Grove Veterans Ritual Team. Wake service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at Hinderliter-Woodard Funeral Home, Grove.

Mark Calvin

Mark Alan Calvin, 35, North Hollywood, Calif., a former Joplin resident, was pronounced dead at 11:20 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 1997, in Los Angeles, Calif. The death is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Coroner's office. Mr. Calvin was born July 16, 1961, at Brookfield. He was graduated from Papillion High School at Omaha, Neb., and attended Indiana State University, Terre Haute. He was a paralegal for Ronald Palmieri, attorney, Los Angeles. He was a member of Harmony Heights Baptist Church, Joplin, and Pallisades Playhouse in Los Angeles. He was a volunteer worker with AIDS patients. Survivors include his mother, Wanda Calvin, 1011 Jefferson Ave.; his father, Wilmer K. Calvin, Kenmore, N.Y.; his stepmother, Lee Calvin, Omaha, Neb.; and three sisters, Belinda McBride, St. Marys, Ohio, Cheryl Calvin, Dallas, Texas, and Pam Calvin Pike, Carl Junction. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary. The Rev. Randy Gariss will officiate. After cremation, the body will be interred in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will be at 1011 Jefferson Ave. Contributions may be made to Jasper County Sheltered Facilities or the Joplin Workshop.

Kathryn Carman

Kathryn B. Osborne Carman, 81, 2418 Dooley Drive, died at 6:10 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 1997, at St. John's Regional Medical Center, Joplin, of natural causes. Mrs. Carman was born March 17, 1916, at Monett. She moved to Joplin in 1977 from Tulsa, Okla. She worked for 10 years as admission clerk for the former Oak Hill Hospital. She retired in 1986. She was a member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Joplin, where she was past president of St. Philip's Altar Guild and St. Margaret's Guild and was a former Vestry member. She married Edward L. Carman on Oct. 17, 1937, at Joplin. He died April 15, 1978. Survivors include a son, Edward Carman III, Birmingham, Ala.; a daughter, Meda Kay Carman, Baton Rouge, La.; a sister, Janet Coglizer, 2413 Dooley Drive, Joplin; and three grandchildren. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Philip's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Dan Erdman officiating. The body will be cremated. Entombment of the remains will be in the church's columbarium after the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin. Contributions may be made to St. Philip's Episcopal Church.

Viva Cash

NEOSHO, Mo. - Viva I. Cash, 88, Neosho, died at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 1997, at Freeman Neosho Hospital after a short illness. Mrs. Cash was born Oct. 13, 1908, at Lake Crystal, Minn. She moved from Nevada to Granby in 1973 and to Neosho 18 months ago. She received her teaching degree from Hamlin University, St. Paul, Minn., and later received a degree in nursing from St. Peter's School of Nursing. She was a registered nurse and teacher. She taught psychiatric nursing to affiliate student nurses throughout the United States. She later worked for Nevada State Hospital for many years until she retired in 1973. She was a member of Granby Methodist Church. She married Floyd Cash on July 28, 1938, at Vancouver, Wash. He died June 19, 1992. Survivors include two daughters, Catherine McCain and Constance Tallon, both of Neosho; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Granby Memorial Cemetery, Granby. The Rev. Alice Sutton will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. today at Clark Funeral Home, Granby. Memorial contributions may be made to Granby Methodist Church.

Robert Conway

CARTHAGE, Mo. - Robert I. Conway, 69, Carthage route 4, died at 2:31 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 1997, at St. John's Regional Medical Center, Joplin, after a several-year illness. Mr. Conway was born March 9, 1928, in Carthage. He was graduated from Carthage High School. He served 21 years in the Army, including during World War II and the Korean War. He retired in 1979 and returned to Carthage. From 1979 to 1989, he was a guard at the Underground. He also worked for several years at Murray Security, Joplin. He married Dona Anderson on May 27, 1977, at Payton, Colo. She survives. Additional survivors include a son, Robert Conway, Denver; a daughter, Linda Bruce, Lawton, Okla.; a stepson, Elgin Castro, Kansas City; a stepdaughter, Susette Wilson, Carthage route 4; a brother, Kenneth Conway, Carthage; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Arrangements are pending with Knell Mortuary, Carthage.

Jewell Cross

DADEVILLE, Mo. - Jewell Cross, 86, Barnett, formerly of Dadeville, died Wednesday, April 16, 1997, at Lake Ozark General Hospital, Osage Beach, after an illness. Mrs. Cross was born Aug. 2, 1910, in Dade County. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Jerico Springs Baptist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star, Jerico Springs. She married J.L. Cross on Oct. 8, 1967, in Sedalia. He survives. Other survivors include two stepsons, John Franklin Cross and James Robert Cross, both of Salisbury; a brother, Loren Walker, Modesto, Calif.; five step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Rice Cemetery, Dadeville, under the direction of Dadeville Funeral Chapel. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

Melvin Hawkins

ORONOGO, Mo. - Melvin J. Hawkins, 71, Oronogo route 1, died at 7:20 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 1997, at Freeman Hospital West, Joplin, after a short illness. Mr. Hawkins was born July 5, 1925, near Carterville. He had lived at Oronogo route 1 most of his life. He was a service representative with the Social Security Administration in Joplin for 30 years. He retired in 1985. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Webb City, and was a former church trustee. He was a member and former treasurer of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. There are no immediate survivors. Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, Joplin. The Rev. Don Laughlin will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis Funeral Home, Webb City. Pallbearers will be Wilford Cantrell, Neal Selvey, Lloyd Leggett, Glen Leggett, Paul Jackson and Steve Cochran. Contributions may be made to the memorial fund at First Baptist Church, Webb City.

Wade Hewlett

WEBB CITY, Mo. - Wade Howard Hewlett, 80, 520 N. Tom St., died at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 1997, at his home after a sudden illness. Mr. Hewlett was born Feb. 16, 1917, at Webb City. He was a lifelong area resident. He was retired from the former Sperry-Vickers Inc. plant in Joplin. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Webb City, where he served as a deacon. His wife, Virginia Hewlett, preceded him in death. Survivors include a son, Joseph Hewlett, Moberly; a grandchild and two grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Simpson Funeral Home, Webb City. The Rev. Don Laughlin and the Rev. Jerald Carlin will officiate. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. The casket will be closed at all times.

Berenice Shelton

CARTHAGE, Mo. - Berenice Alberta Shelton, 94, Des Moines, Iowa, a former Carthage resident, died at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 1997, at a hospital in Des Moines after a long illness. Mrs. Shelton was born March 29, 1903, west of Avilla. She moved from Galesburg, Ill., to Carthage in September 1982 and to Des Moines in January 1996. She was graduated in 1925 from Carthage High School. She was a retired seamstress. She was a member of Carthage United Methodist Church. She married Harold Shelton on March 14, 1918, at Sarcoxie. He preceded her in death. Survivors include a son, Fred E. Shelton, Hannibal; two grandsons; four great-granddaughters; and one great-great-grandson. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Ulmer Funeral Home, Carthage. The Rev. Tommy Thompson will officiate. Burial will be in Avilla Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Carthage United Methodist Church, in care of the funeral home.

Julian Tubbs

NEOSHO, Mo. - Julian Tubbs, 78, Neosho, died Tuesday afternoon, April 15, 1997, at Freeman Neosho Hospital after a long illness. Mr. Tubbs was born April 8, 1919, in Newton County and was a lifetime resident. He had worked at the Firestone Tire and Appliance Store, Neosho, for eight years and then for Talbot Wire, Neosho, for 19 years. He retired in 1983. He was a member of Monarch Springs Baptist Church and the Traildrivers Wagon Club. He was past president of Monarch Springs Saddle Club and was a lieutenant in the Newton County Mounted Sheriff's Posse. He married Gladys Bowman on April 6, 1946, at Monett. She survives. Additional survivors include a son, Randy Tubbs, Diamond; and two grandsons. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Clark Funeral Home, Granby. The Rev. Phil McClendon will officiate. Burial will be in Granby Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joe Showalter, Paul Showalter, Darrel Clark, Joe Roszell, Boon Burress and Tom Putman. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Stella Webb

ROCKY COMFORT, Mo. - Stella V. Webb, 75, Rocky Comfort, died at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 1997, at her home after a one-year illness. Mrs. Webb was born March 4, 1922, at Nowata, Okla. She moved to Rocky Comfort in 1978 from Neosho, Mo. She was a homemaker. Survivors include five sons, Bill Webb and Frank Webb, both of Diamond, Jess Webb, Billings, Larry Webb, Rocky Comfort, and Vince Webb, Cassville; three daughters, Violet Farmer, Neosho, Pat Perry, Miami, Okla., and Shelley McCarty, Sommers, Ark.; three brothers, Tom Tate, Joplin, Joe Tate, Fairview, and Bill Tate, Duenweg; a sister, Evelyn Embrey, Joplin; 25 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Clark Funeral Home, Granby. Burial will be at Rocky Comfort Cemetery, Rocky Comfort. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Kathryn Brownlee

CHEROKEE, Kan. - Funeral Mass for Kathryn Ann Brownlee, 62, Cherokee, who died Tuesday, will be at 10 a.m. today at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, Scammon. Fathers John Zich and Chrysostom Ah Maung will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bridget's Cemetery, Scammon. Survivors include her mother, Gertrude Harrigan McKenna, Frontenac.

Dora Corbus

COMMERCE, Okla. - Dora E. ``Tootie'' Corbus, 75, 305 E. Sixth St., died at 9:05 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 1997, at Baptist Regional Health Center, Miami, after an illness. Mrs. Corbus was born Sept. 19, 1921, in Commerce and was a lifetime resident. She was graduated in 1940 from Commerce High School. She had worked as a seamstress for Elizabeth Burial Garment Co. in Commerce and was a homemaker. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Commerce. She married Bussie Corbus on June 16, 1941, at Joplin, Mo. He survives. Additional survivors include two daughters, Linda Witzansky, Miami, and Lana Waybright, rural Miami; a sister, Arlene Mathews, Pampa, Texas; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, Commerce. The Rev. Larry Moore will officiate. Burial will be in GAR Cemetery, Miami. Pallbearers will be Rex Witzansky, Bernard Waybright, Brian Waybright, Troy Witzansky, Scott Waybright and John Williams. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. today at Paul Thomas Funeral Home, Miami. Contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Commerce.

H.B. Richie

EUCHA, Okla. - H.B. Richie, 64, Eucha, died at 12:50 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 1997, at Grove General Hospital after a short illness. Mr. Richie was born April 14, 1933, at Strang. He taught masonry at Jay High School from 1959 to 1970. He was District 2 Delaware County Commissioner from 1971 to 1979. He was a member of Independent Baptist Church, Grove, and Brick Masons Union No. 5, Oklahoma City. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He married Gerrie Hanna on Jan. 28, 1956, at Spavinaw. She survives. Additional survivors include two sons, Randy Richie, Fort Bragg, N.C., and Jim Richie, Jay; a daughter, Sandy Vaughn, Jay; two sisters, Faye Davis, Jay, and Velma Icrady, Bellflower, Calif.; two brothers, Jim Richie, Lawrence, Kan., and Clark Richie, Jay; seven granddaughters; and two stepgrandsons. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at First Assembly of God Church, Jay. The Rev. Ray Melugin will officiate. Burial will be in Yellow Tree Cemetery, near Jay. The family will receive friends at 7 p.m. today at Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Jay.

Katherine Vazquez

WELCH, Okla. - Katherine Lynne Vazquez, 50, Welch, died Monday, April 14, 1997, at Craig General Hospital, Vinita, after an illness. Mrs. Vazquez was born Sept. 13, 1946, at McCune, Kan. She was graduated from McCune High School and attended Pittsburg (Kan.) State University. She worked for Neill Cattle Co., Welch. She was a member of Welch Methodist Church. She married Robert Bruce Vazquez on March 10, 1967, at Columbus, Kan. He survives. Additional survivors include a daughter, Kara Barger, Stillwater; two sons, John Vazquez, Welch, and Jay Vazquez, of the home; her mother, Norma Barnes, Welch; a brother, John Barnes, Bluejacket; and two grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. today at Welch Civic Auditorium. The Rev. Bill Forrest will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, near Chetopa, Kan. The family will receive friends at the home. Arrangements are under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Service, Vinita. Contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

Harold Jones

Harold C. Jones, 84, 3110 Moorehead Drive, Joplin, died at 2:15 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 1997, at a Joplin nursing home after two years of ill health. Mr. Jones was born Nov. 19, 1912, in Pittsburg, Kan. He was graduated in 1931 from Pittsburg High School and attended Pasadena College in Pasadena, Calif. He was a licensed pilot and a metallurgist. He retired in 1975 as a salesman for the former Newman's store. He married Loran Egner on March 12, 1938, in Rogers, Ark. She survives. Additional survivors include a daughter, Carole Tyler, Joplin; a sister, Connie Forbes, Webb City, and a granddaughter. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mount Hope Cemetery, Webb City, with Gary Reed, minister, officiating. Burial will be under direction of Hedge Lewis Funeral Home, Webb City. The casket will be closed. Contributions may be made to the donor's choice.

Catherine Knowlton

Catherine Liggett Knowlton, 90, Joplin route 2, died at 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 1997, at her home after an illness. Mrs. Knowlton was born July 26, 1906, in Joplin. She was a lifetime resident of the Saginaw community. She was graduated in 1926 from Joplin Senior High School as class salutatorian. She received her teaching certificate and in 1927 taught at Cave Springs School. She was a homemaker, a lifelong dairy farmer and owned Knowlton Dairy with her husband. She retired in 1961. After her retirement, she raised horses and ponies at Saginaw Highland Ranch from 1961 until she died. She was a lifetime member of Saginaw Baptist Church, was a Sunday school teacher and church historian. She married William S. Knowlton on May 9, 1928, in Carthage. He died on Nov. 23, 1972. Survivors include two sons, William R. Knowlton, of the home, and John L. Knowlton, Oklahoma City, Okla.; a daughter, Margaret Brand, Henry, Ill.; nine grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Saginaw Baptist Church. The Rev. Merle Evans and the Rev. Glen Stark will officiate. Burial will be in Saginaw Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Warner George, Clifford Brand, Jeff Ball, George Moser, Wayne McCutcheon, Frank McCutcheon, Frank Warden and grandsons. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Contributions may be made to Saginaw Baptist Church.

Luella Shelby

Luella Shelby, 86, Chino, Calif., a former Joplin resident, died at 2:24 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 1997, at Chino Valley Medical Center after a short illness. Mrs. Shelby was born Feb. 3, 1911, in Joplin, where she lived until she moved to California in 1957. While in Joplin, she was a machine operator for a clothing manufacturer and sold Avon products. She married Walter Ora Shelby in 1934 in Joplin. He died in 1968. Survivors include two sons, Walter ``Lawrence'' Shelby, Carl Junction, and Roger Shelby, Sylmar, Calif.; a daughter, Mary Richardson, Chino; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Oak Hill Cemetery, Galena, Kan. Rick Fulton, minister, will officiate. Grandsons Keith Shelby, Scott Shelby, David Shelby, Steve Richardson, John Richardson and Gary Varney will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Mason-Woodard Mortuary, Joplin.

Essie Branstetter

NEVADA, Mo. - Essie Mae Branstetter, 92, Nevada, died Wednesday, April 16, 1997, at a local nursing home after a short illness. Mrs. Branstetter was born Oct. 6, 1904, at Pope. She attended Schell City schools. She spent most of her life in Nevada. She worked for 27 years as an aide and licensed practical nurse at Nevada State Hospital before she retired in 1969. She was a member of United Methodist Church, Walker. She married Fred Branstetter on July 2, 1921. He died in 1974. There are no immediate survivors. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today at Newton Burial Park, Nevada. Friends may call until 1:30 p.m. today at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Maloy Brown

EXETER, Mo. - Maloy L. Brown, 77, Exeter, died at 11:32 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 1997, at a local nursing center after a long illness. Mr. Brown was born May 23, 1919, at Wheaton. He was a dairy farmer and a lifetime area resident. He was in the Army Air Force in World War II. He was a member of Ridgely Baptist Church, Ridgely. He married Odean Charles on Jan. 6, 1940, in Cassville. She survives. Additional survivors include two sons, Larry Dale Brown, Lee's Summit, and Donald Ray Brown, Wheaton; three brothers, M.V. Brown, Wheaton, and Ray Brown and Bert Brown, both of Exeter; two sisters, Bernice Larson, Phoenix, Ariz., and Melba Galbraith, Exeter, and six grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Wheaton Funeral Home. The Rev. Gary Culp and the Rev. Richard Buck will officiate. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery, Exeter. Pallbearers will be Gary Brown, Danny Charles, Bob Brown, Chris Hobbs, David Brown and Leslie Charles. Family visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Friends may call after 1 p.m. today. Contributions may be made to the Southern Baptist Association in care of the funeral home.

James Dustman

LOCKWOOD, Mo. - James Elliott ``Jim'' Dustman, 90, Lockwood, died at 1:20 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 1997, at St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, after a short illness. Mr. Dustman was born Dec. 25, 1906, near Temple, Okla. He moved to Branson and later attended Draughon Business College in Springfield. He spent most of the remainder of his life in Missouri. He was employed by Charles Meek Lumber Co. as manager of several lumber yards, including the one in Lockwood. He was a member of Lockwood Presbyterian Church and Lockwood Washington Lodge No. 87. There are no immediate survivors. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Lockwood Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in Aurora Maple Park Cemetery. Donations may be made to Lockwood Presbyterian Church.

Karen Harper

LANAGAN, Mo. - Karen Kay Harper, 52, Lanagan, was pronounced dead at 7 p.m. Monday, April 14, 1997, after her body was found near her home. The cause of death is under investigation by the McDonald County Sheriff's Department. Mrs. Harper was born Feb. 28, 1945, at Wichita, Kan. She was graduated from Wichita North High School in 1963. She moved to Lanagan from Wichita in 1966. She was past chairwoman of the McDonald County Heart Association, chairwoman of the Lanagan Cemetery Association and had served on the Lanagan City Council. She was the Lanagan city clerk at the time of her death. She married Gary Harper on Feb. 6, 1969, at Neosho. He survives. Additional survivors include two sons, Steven Morgan, Neosho, and Kirk Harper, Noel; two stepdaughters, Patricia Perdue, Phrumph, Nev., and Pamela Harper, Las Vegas, Nev.; two brothers, Gary Spangler and Ronnie Spangler, both of Wichita; two sisters, Susan Robinson, Clay Center, Kan., and Terry Dear, Wichita; a grandchild, and one step-grandchild. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ozark Funeral Home Chapel, Anderson, with the Rev. Jeff St. Clair officiating. Burial will be in Lanagan Cemetery, Lanagan. Pallbearers will be Jim Durham, Dale Stites, Lonnie Stites, Jack Barnes, Clyde Alexander and Jim Bowers. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. today at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson. Family hour will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Contributions may be made to the Lanagan Cemetery Association in care of the funeral Home.

Wade Hewlett

WEBB CITY, Mo. - Services for Wade Howard Hewlett, 80, 520 N. Tom St., who died Wednesday, will be at 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, Webb City. The Rev. Don Laughlin, the Rev. Junior Elam and the Rev. Jerald Carlin will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Webb City. Pallbearers will be Harvey Cooper, Leroy Dammer, Harry Greninger, Carl Gilliam, Selden Carter and Wilford Cantrell. His first wife, Juanita Hewlett, died Feb. 16, 1981. His second wife, Virginia Hewlett, died Aug. 3, 1993. Survivors include a grandchild and two great-grandchildren.

Raymond Hunt

MOUNT VERNON, Mo. - Raymond L. Hunt, 81, rural Mount Vernon, died at 2:25 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, after a sudden illness. Mr. Hunt was born June 1, 1915, in Hoberg. He had lived the last three years in Hoberg, where he moved from the state of California. He was a financial management consultant who retired in 1994. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He married Evelyn Ford on April 17, 1993, in the state of California. She survives. Additional survivors include five sisters, Elnora Hunt and JoAnn Auinbauh, both of Webster Groves, Roberta Dore, Highland Ranch, Colo., Betty Ambrose, Jefferson City, and Helen McNeely, Paducah, Ky. Private graveside services will be on Saturday at Hoberg Cemetery. The Rev. Gary Gilmore will officiate. Burial is under direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett.

Jeanette Levizon

GOLDEN CITY, Mo. - Jeanette Levizon, 56, Golden City, died at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 1997, at Lakeview Nursing Home, Lamar, after a short illness. Mrs. Levizon was born July 23, 1940, at Gardena, Calif. She lived in California most of her life before she moved to Lamar about a year ago. Survivors include a brother, John Darrah, state of California; three sisters, Mary Henson, state of California, Monica Rice, Golden City, and Kathy Kilpatrick, Golden City; and her mother, Rose Darrah, Golden City. The body was cremated and a memorial service will be held later. Arrangements are under the direction of Pugh Funeral Home, Golden City.

Mona Shaw

AURORA, Mo. - Mona B. Shaw, 89, Aurora, died at 7:45 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 1997, at an Aurora nursing home after an illness. Mrs. Shaw was born Dec. 2, 1907, at Aurora. She was a member of the Methodist church in Denver, Colo., and was a homemaker. Survivors include three grandchildren. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today at Maple Park Cemetery, Aurora. The Rev. Jane Brigdon will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home, Aurora.

Pearl Dalrymple

GIRARD, Kan. - Pearl Leota Dalrymple, 99, Girard, died at 11:05 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 1997, at Girard Hospital after an illness. Mrs. Dalrymple was born June 12, 1897, at Farlington. She lived in the Girard area all of her life and attended area schools. She worked at the Parsons Army Ammunition Plant for several years. She started work at Girard Hospital in 1946 and became a licensed practical nurse in 1950. She married Lowell Dalrymple on Dec. 25, 1915, near McCune. He died in September 1943. She was a member of Girard Christian Church and the Women's Christian Fellowship. Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Vera Dalrymple, rural McCune, who helped provide for her care; two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by a son. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Girard City Cemetery. The Rev. Ben Haggard will officiate. Friends may call at Brenner Mortuary after 1 p.m. today. Donations may be made to Girard Hospital in care of the funeral home.

Julia Watts

GIRARD, Kan. - Julia S. Watts, 62, Girard, died at 8:20 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 1997, in a Pittsburg nursing home after an illness. Mrs. Watts was born June 29, 1934, in Pittsburg. She was graduated from Mindenmines (Mo.) High School. She attended Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, Mo., and received her bachelor and master's degrees from Pittsburg State University. She was a schoolteacher for 31 years and taught in several schools in Missouri, at Frontenac and at Girard. She was a member of several educational organizations. She was a member of Beulah Community Church and the Oceanus Hopkins chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She married Harry L. Watts on Nov. 27, 1952. He survives. Additional survivors include two daughters, Sharry Briggs, Shawnee, and Rita Nelsen, Pittsburg; a sister, Wilma McKibben, Lamar, Mo., and three grandchildren. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg. The Rev. Vinita Jones will officiate. Murry Balk, minister, will assist. Burial will be in Girard City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the mortuary. The family will be at the home of a daughter, Rita Nelsen, 2904 Oakview Drive. Donations may be made to Beulah Community Church Playground Fund, the Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home.

Eula Coble

MIAMI, Okla. - Eula Speer Coble, 80, Mooresville, N.C., formerly of Miami, died at 7:15 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 1997, at a Mooresville retirement center. Mrs. Coble was born Aug. 20, 1916, at Harrison, Ark. She was a retired sales clerk for Belk's Department Store in Miami and was a member of First Baptist Church, Miami. She married Harold H. Coble on Oct. 30, 1937, at Columbus, Kan. He died in December 1992. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Ann Safrit, Charlotte, N.C.; four grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Services are pending with Paul Thomas Funeral Home, Miami.

Raymond Foster

JAY, Okla. - Raymond F. Foster, 75, Jay, died at 3:50 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 1997, at a Grove nursing home after an illness. Mr. Foster was born Jan. 27, 1922, at Tucumcari, N.M. He had lived in the Jay area for the past 10 years, where he moved from Waynesburg, Ohio. He was a member of Cornerstone Church, Southwest City, Mo. He moved to Jay after he retired as a welder who did pipeline work. He was a member of Local No. 798, Pipeline Workers in Tulsa. He served in the Army during World War II. He married Blanche Frye on Feb. 21, 1988, at Talco, Texas. She survives. Additional survivors include four sons, Charles Foster, Waynesburg, Pa., Bill Frye and Jake Frye, Jay, and George Frye, Southwest City; five daughters, Zella Foster, Ontario, Canada, Susie Yocca, Woodville, Ohio, Betty Denny, Maysville, Ark., Patsy Hill, Goodman, Mo., and Phyllis Ball, Joplin, Mo.; a brother, Charlie Foster, state of Washington; two sisters, Dorothy Underwood, Jay, and Dora Foster, Salina; 24 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Cornerstone Church. George Frye, minister, and the Rev. Ralph Houk will officiate. Burial will be at Southwest City Cemetery. Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday at Ozark Funeral Home, Southwest City. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Geneva Patrick

PICHER, Okla. - Geneva Wood Patrick, 80, Picher, died at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 1997, at Hillcrest Hospital, Tulsa, after an illness. Mrs. Patrick was born Dec. 30, 1916, in Hartville, Mo. She attended school in Stockton, Mo., and was graduated from Bolivar High School, Bolivar, Mo. She attended Southwest Baptist College, Bolivar, and Southwest Missouri State College, Springfield. She was office manager of Bitco Steel Co. in Cardin from 1947 to 1983. She had been a member of the Baptist church most of her life and later joined First Baptist Church in Cardin. She married Floyd E. ``Tobe'' Wood. He preceded her in death. She married Carl Patrick on May 21, 1979, in Picher. He died Feb. 14, 1990. Survivors include a son, Frank ``Butch'' Wood, Port Arthur, Texas; a stepson, Dennis Patrick, Birmingham, Mich.; a stepdaughter, Karen Whitney, Expanola, N.M.; two grandchildren; three step-grandchildren and three great-step-grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Paul Thomas Funeral Home Chapel, Picher. Burial will be in GAR Cemetery, Miami, Okla. The Rev. Clyde Stilley will officiate. Pallbearers will be Johnny Sparkman, Fred Robertson, Carl Robertson, Ron Sparkman, George Robertson and Frank Robertson. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Paul Thomas Chapel, Picher.