Patsy Ewings
Patsy Ewings of New Franklin died Wednesday, July, 14, 1999, at University Hospital and Clinics. She was 66.
Mrs. Ewings was born March 28, 1933, in Columbia to Henry O. and Flora West Whitworth. She married Ortha Ewings on July 10, 1954, in Columbia.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, conducted by the Rev. Gary Humphrey, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Funeral Home's chapel. Mrs. Ewings will be buried at Harrisburg Cemetery in Harrisburg.
Mrs. Ewings is survived by her husband, Ortha Ewings of New Franklin; five sons; Larry Ewings and Mark Ewings of Columbia, Dean Ewings of O'Fallon, Kenny Ewings of Phoenix, Ariz., and John Ewings of New Franklin; three daughters, Patricia Fowler of Boonville, Joyce Klatt of Fayette and Betty Linhart of Columbia; one brother, Michael Whitworth of Columbia; one sister, Jerry Curry of Columbia; 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
One son died earlier.
Beth Laatsch
Those who were close to Beth Laatsch knew that she was dedicated to two things in life - her profession and her family.
Beth Hayes Laatsch of Little Orleans, Md., died Sunday, July 11, 1999, at her daughter's home. She was 85.
As a journalist, Laatsch broke through gender barriers in the 1930s and 1940s as a reporter for newspapers in Evansville, Ind., Oklahoma City and Dayton, Ohio. She also served as a city editor for the Columbia Missourian.
Laatsch's daughter, Trish Twentey, remembers hearing the stories her mother told of being a journalist, including the one of how her mother and father met.
"She actually had an assignment to interview GIs that were in town and take them to dinner," Twentey said.
Twentey said her mother chose Richard Laatsch, who went to war shortly after they met. The two fell in love and were married the following year.
When her husband returned from war, the couple moved to Saginaw, Mich., where they spent most of their 35 years together. Mrs. Laatsch worked as an elementary school teacher in the nearby suburb of Carrollton from 1955 until she retired in 1980.
"She often said that if she had a career to choose from after journalism, it would have been operating a greenhouse or flower shop," Twentey said. "She loved to be outdoors, and she loved flowers."
Mrs. Laatsch was born Sept. 6, 1913 in Corder to John Adams and Eva Elizabeth O'Malley Wollenman.
She earned her bachelor's of journalism from MU and later became an associate professor for the School of Journalism.
"She was a pioneer," Twentey said. "She was a very strong lady, and even though she wasn't really sociable, she was a brilliant woman and a caring person."
Arthritis took its toll on Mrs. Laatsch through the years, and the pancreatic and lung cancer that ravaged her body confined her to a bed in the final month of her life.
"She had a great sense of humor, even in the last few weeks of her life," Twentey said. "She fought like a trooper - you could see it. I'm really proud of the way she spent her last couple of weeks."
Services, conducted by the Rev. David Avery, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Freeman Chapel in Jefferson City. Graveside services will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia, 1217 Business Loop 70 W.
Mrs. Laatsch is survived by her daughter, Trish Twentey of Little Orleans, Md.; two sisters, Jackie Hearne of Jefferson City and Mary C. Lane of Westphalia; one niece and one nephew.
Her husband died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Hospice of Western Maryland Health Services, c/o Trish Twentey, 12100 Swain Road, N.E., Little Orleans, Md. 21766.
Margaret L. Logan
Chester and Margaret Logan were married for 52 years.
"I just fell in love with her, and I never fell out of love with her," Chester said. Their 52nd anniversary was in April.
Now, along with Mrs. Logan's other friends and loved ones, Chester mourns the loss of his wife and soul mate.
Margaret L. Logan of Columbia died Tuesday, July 13, 1999. She was 85 years old.
Mrs. Logan was born on Oct. 25, 1913 in Linn Creek to Herman Russell and Mae Stevens White. She graduated from high school in Eldon and then worked at the Third National Bank in Sedalia. She married Chester Logan on April 20, 1947, in Sedalia, and moved to Columbia in 1950. She was the Stephens College Bank supervisor for 20 years.
Throughout her life, Mrs. Logan was active in civic affairs and volunteer activities. She was a member of the Fairview United Methodist Church, and at one point served as president of the Columbia Business and Professional Women's Club and Cosmo Women's Luncheon Club. She served on the Columbia Parks and Recreation Board for two terms during the 1950s, and volunteered at the University Hospital and Clinics gift shop for 10 years.
"She loved the outdoors," Chester said, recalling the fishing trips they used to take together. The couple also liked to square dance.
But what Mrs. Logan cherished most was her friends.
"We had a large circle of friends," Chester said. "We loved to have people over."
Visitation for Mrs. Logan will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, conducted by the Revs. Bob Hickman and Bart Larson, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Memorial Funeral Home's chapel. Mrs. Logan will be buried at Fairview Cemetery in Columbia.
Mrs. Logan is survived by her husband, Chester Logan of Columbia; one son, Joseph Lee Bohanan of Columbia; her sister, Dorothy White Van Orman of Fairport, NY; one granddaughter, three great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 33 E. Broadway, Suite 100, Columbia, Mo. 65203.
"She was the most wonderful wife that a man could ever hope to have," Chester said.
Mercein Benzie Duncan
Mercein Benzie Duncan of Columbia died Tuesday, July 13, 1999. She was 72.
Mrs. Duncan was born March 22, 1927 in Isle, Minn., to Houlton and Dymer Sjodin Benzie. On July 6, 1956, she married Donald Duncan in St. Paul, Minn.
Mrs. Duncan worked as an instructor in foods at the University of Minnesota and later at the egg research laboratory at MU.
A member of Missouri United Methodist Church, Mrs. Duncan had numerous civic interests throughout her lifetime. She was active in the Columbia League of Women Voters, where she had served as treasurer, chairwoman of the publicity committee and chairwoman of the hospitality committee.
Mrs. Duncan also volunteered at Boone Hospital and MU's Museum of Art and Archaeology.
Mrs. Duncan is survived by her husband, Donald Duncan; one son, Kenneth Duncan of Ft. Collins, Colo.; two daughters, Nancy Susan Duncan of St. Paul, Minn. and Debbie Crunkilton of Stevens Point, Wis.; one brother, Charles Benzie of Brainard, Minn.; one sister, Billie Mahaney of Santa Cruz, Calif and six grandchildren.
No visitation or funeral services will be held.
Memorials may be sent to Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, 115 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia, Mo., 65203.
Alverdia Hawkins
Alverdia Hawkins of Columbia died Tuesday, July 13, 1999, in Columbia. She was 69.
Mrs. Hawkins was born Sept. 27, 1929, in Boone County to William D. and Maggie Kanatzer Pugh. She married Grover Lee Hawkins in Ottawa, Kan., Sept. 8, 1946. Mrs. Hawkins was a member of the Cosmo Pals.
Visitation for Mrs. Hawkins will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, conducted by Rev. Oliver Langmade, will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.
Mrs. Hawkins is survived by one son, Ronald Lee Hawkins of White Bluff, Ind.; one daughter, Thelma Rae Hawkins of Columbia; two sisters, Marie Williams of Columbia and Nadine Cleek of Rocky Mount; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; 11 nieces and eight nephews.
Her husband, parents, two brothers and one sister died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, William Black Medical Research Building, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, 710 W. 168th St., New York, N.Y. 10032-2699 or Cosmopolitan International Diabetes Center, One Hospital Dr., Columbia, Mo. 65203.
Harold A. Willman
Harold A. Willman of Columbia died Wednesday, July 14, 1999, at the Williamsburg nursing home. He was 95.
Mr. Willman was born on Sept. 1, 1903, on a farm in Kane, Penn., to Ida M. and Joseph A. Willman.
Mr. Willman was a professor of animal science at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., for about 35 years and had been associated with 4-H livestock programs for more than 60 years. He was an approved judge of livestock. His 4-H judging teams won several national championships.
Mr. Willman graduated from high school in 1921. He studied at Clarion State Teachers College and taught in a rural school for two years.
He later received degrees from both Penn State University and the University of Minnesota. Before accepting a position at Cornell in 1929, he did advanced work at Iowa State University.
Mr. Willman was recognized for his dedication to working with New York youth. He also authored "The 4-H Handbook," Cornell Extension bulletins and professional journal articles.
There will be no visitation for Mr. Willman. His burial and graveside service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Friendship, N.Y.
Mr. Willman is survived by his wife, Louise Alvord Willman of Columbia; two daughters, Jean W. Scott of Venice, Fla., and Nancy W. Burton of Columbia; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Memorials may be sent to the Harold A. Willman 4-H fund, 265 Roberts Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 14853.
Margaret M. Frost
Margaret M. Frost spent her life serving up food, and more importantly, love to everyone she knew. She died Sunday, July 11, 1999, at Columbia Manor Care Center. She was 75.
For nearly 30 years, Mrs. Frost cooked lunches for students in Lee Elementary School and Hickman High School.
"She just really loved the kids," said her son William Frost.
Mrs. Frost was born March 9, 1924, in Boone County to Luther O'Neal and Rebekah Musick O'Neal. She married Alfred Frost on December 24, 1944.
After retirement, there was nothing more enjoyable to Mrs. Frost than sewing and taking care of her six grandchildren. She also was a member of Memorial Baptist Church in Columbia.
Services, conducted by the Rev. Dennis Swearngen, were held Tuesday at Nilson Funeral Home in Columbia. Mrs. Frost will be buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, 1217 Business Loop 70 W.
Mrs. Frost is survived by her husband, Alfred Frost of Columbia; two sons, William C. Frost and Allen R. Frost, both of Columbia; a sister, Dorothy Sutton of Columbia; and six grandchildren.
Three sisters and three brothers.
Memorials may be sent to the Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund, 1634 Paris Rd., Columbia, Mo. 65203.
George F. Freie
For almost 30 years George F. Freie ran a fireworks stand at the edge of Columbia. The Fourth of July was one of his favorite times of the year.
"He just loved the excitement of it," his son Tim Freie said.
George F. Freie died Saturday, July 10, 1999, at his home. He was 71.
Although he has seen his last Fourth, his love for the holiday is something his family will always remember. Tim, Tim's son Steven, Mr. Freie's second son, Jeff, and Jeff's son Gavin will continue to run the fireworks stand.
"The two of us built the actual stand together 15 or 20 years ago," Tim said. "We ran it together every year. He wasn't there a lot this year, but I will never forget the time we spent together with that stand."
George was born to Ed W. and Mary Blaue Freie on July 21, 1927 in Montgomery County. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and kept his memories of the war to himself, rarely sharing them even with members of his own family.
After returning from the war, Freie married Ina May Peery on Sept. 23, 1951, in Wellsville.
"We've known each other forever," Mrs. Freie said.
Freie worked as an electrician with Union Local 257 and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He carried his career into other parts of his life as well. Freie taught electricity to local 4-H clubs for 15 years. He also did some electrical work for Trinity Lutheran Church, of which he was a member.
Tim Freie said his father also loved gardening.
"He had two big gardens here by the house," said Tim. "He grew everything from sunflowers to tomatoes, grapes, turnips, and pumpkins."
Visitation for Mr. Freie will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Nilson Funeral Home, 5611 St. Charles Road. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, also at Nilson Funeral Home.
Mr. Freie is survived by his wife, Ina May Freie of Columbia; two sons, Jeff B. Freie and Tim C. Freie, both of Columbia; a sister, Dora Lowry of Auxvasse; and four grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association, 2600 I-70 Drive N.W. 65201 or the American Cancer Society, 33 East Broadway, Suite 100, Columbia, Mo. 65203.
Nellie Abernathy
Nellie Lurlene Abernathy of Columbia died Friday, July 9, 1999, at Columbia Regional Hospital. She was 76.
Ms. Abernathy was born Nov. 20, 1922, in Boone County to Porter Henderson and Mary Linton Henderson Sims. She married Ruby Christopher Ray and later married William L. Abernathy. Both died earlier.
Her family will remember Ms. Abernathy for her generosity to anyone in need of help.
"She was the sweetest women ever," said Ms. Abernathy's brother, James W. Sims.
"If you were down on your luck, she would feed you and give you a bed," he said. "It didn't matter who it was, she would help."
He experienced his sister's generosity first hand, living with his sister for eight years and at other times when he was down on his luck.
"If I called and told her I had a problem, she would say, 'come home,' and that is what I would do," he said.
Ms. Abernathy's door of hospitality and help was open to everyone in need.
"She never turned away anybody who was hungry or needed a place to stay," said brother Victor Sims. "If you needed help in any way, she would help you."
Visitation for Ms. Abernathy will be from 3 to 6 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 1217 Business Loop 70 W. Services, conducted by the Rev. Tom Adams, will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Ms. Abernathy will be buried at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Ms. Abernathy is survived by one son, Ronald Ray of Harrisburg; two daughters, Cindy Furlong and Stacy Furlong, both of Sturgeon; two brothers, Victor Sims of Columbia and James W. Sims of Hallsville; two sisters, Matilda Hardman of Harrisburg and Rosie Miller of Sturgeon; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Her husbands and two brothers died earlier.
Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 33 East Broadway, Suite 100, Columbia, Mo. 65203.
Virginia Lenora Cronin
Virginia Lenora Cronin of Trenton died Thursday, July 8, 1999. She was 74.
Mrs. Cronin enjoyed knitting, sewing, and ceramic painting.
"She liked any kind of sewing," said her husband, Kenneth Cronin.
Her daughter, Sharon Roske, remembers her outgoing personality.
"She always made sure that everything was O.K.," Roske said. "She just wanted to make everyone happy."
Mrs. Cronin was born March 14, 1925, in Chicago to Harry and Marie Wheeler. She married Kenneth Cronin March 14, 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Mrs. Cronin lived most of her life in Des Moines, Iowa, before moving to Trenton. She lived with her son, Dennis and daughter-in-law, Alice, in Columbia before she died.
"She was a beautiful person, inside and out," Alice said. "A very loving person."
Mrs. Cronin was a past member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Des Moines and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Chillicothe.
Dennis and Alice remember her devotion to her family.
"There was nothing that meant more to her than her family," Alice said. "She also had a real special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchild-
ren."
"Her accomplishments were all of her grandchildren," Roske said.
Visitation for Mrs. Cronin will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Hamilton's Funeral Home in Des Moines. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Hamilton's. She will be buried at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines.
Mrs. Cronin is survived by her husband, Kenneth Cronin of Trenton; one son, Dennis Cronin of Columbia; one daughter, Sharon Roske of Altoona, Iowa; one brother, Gilbert Wheeler of West Des Moines, Iowa; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society or the American Liver Foundation. - Brooke Williams
Mary Lee Sanford
Mary Lee Sanford of Fulton died Wednesday, July 7, 1999, at Boone Hospital Center. She was 72.
Mrs. Sanford was born April 17, 1927, in Callaway County. She married Fred L. Sanford on June 28, 1950, in Fulton. Her husband died earlier.
She was a member of the First Christian Church in Fulton.
Mrs. Sanford is survived by one son, Joe Sanford of Columbia; one daughter, Susan Adrian of Fulton; and three grandchildren.
Services will be at 2 p.m., today at First Christian Church, 6 E. 7th Street, in Fulton, conducted by the Rev. John Sattenfield.
Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 33 East Broadway, Suite 100, Columbia, Mo. 65203.
Vernice Givens
Vernice Givens of Boonville died Wednesday, June 7, 1999, at Riverdell Care Center. She was 81.
Ms. Givens was born March 31, 1918, to Herschel Givens and Addie Banks in Gooch's Mill. She was a member of New Salem Baptist Church, where she was secretary and a member of the union choir, she later joined Morgan Street Baptist Church. She was a member of Circle No. 3 at the church, and a member of the Ladies American Legion Auxiliary.
She also operated a restaurant called the Givens Blue Room for over 13 years.
"She was well known for her cooking and baking," said her daughter, Virginia Council.
Council said Ms. Givens was also known for her flowers and love for helping people, as well as her "love of rummage sales," she added with a laugh.
She is survived by two brothers, Glen Banks and Elmer Banks of Boonville; one sister, Joan Lue of Omaha, Neb.; six daughters, Shirley Givens, Alberta Givens, and Yvonne Jackson of Kansas City, Veda Givens of Lees Summit, Pam Dowe and Virginia Council of Boonville; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Her parents, three brothers, one granddaughter and one brother-in-law died earlier.
Services were held on Saturday at Morgan Street Baptist Church in Boonville conducted by the Rev. T.J. Huskey. Burial was in Sunset Hill Cemetery in Boonville.
Glaudus L. Balch
Glaudus L. "Lois" Balch of Columbia died Thursday, July 8, 1999, at Capitol Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. She was 80.
Ms. Balch was born April 16, 1919, in Jonesboro, Ark., to Jasper Crocket and Bertha Myrtle Richardson Leach. She was married May 15, 1944, in Oran, Africa, to Lucus Greene Balch Jr.
Ms. Balch served in the Women's Army Corps in Africa during World War II from 1941 to 1944.
She owned and operated the Eastgate Beauty Salon in Columbia from 1965 to 1992.
Ms. Balch is survived by two daughters, Margaret Jo Roberts and Lita Gaye Balch, both of Hawk Point; three grandchildren and one great grandson.
Her husband and one son died earlier.
Private services will be held, and burial will be in the Balch Family Cemetery in Balch, Ark.
Memorials may be sent to the Columbia Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, Mo. 65202.
