Submitted by Sandi Donaldson from a newspaper clipping from a Pike county scrapbook
GEORGE MIXER
91, who operated a Phillips 66 service station in Barry for 2 years, died Thursday in the Barry Community Care Center.
He was born in Beverly Township, a son of James William and Ethel Hastings Mixer.
He married Mary Elleln Aiken October 27, 1928, in Quincy. She died May 18, 1974. They had one daughter.
He was one of the first bus drivers for the Barry School District, a position he held for 20 years. and he had been a member of the Barry Volunteer Fire Department
Contributed by Ella Tittsworth - transcribed by Rosemary Reeves
CLAUDE (CRAIGMILES) MOLDOVAN
, 95, of Hannibal and formerly of Pleasant Hill, Ill., and Brooklyn, N.Y., died at midnight Aug. 1, 1999, at BethHaven Nursing Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. The Rev. Paul White will officiate. Burial will be at Crescent Heights Cemetery in Pleasant Hill. Mrs. Moldovan was born Sept. 19, 1903, in Pleasant Hill to William Henry and Margaret Daisy Briscoe Craigmiles. She was married to Joseph Moldovan on July 11, 1947. He preceded her in death in 1967. Survivors include one adopted sister, Genevieve Girmail of West Palm Beach, Fla.; one nephew, William H. Craigmiles of Hannibal; two nieces, Laura Jane Esther of Joplin and Marilyn Thomas of Leawood, Kan.; and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by one brother, Dr. Lawrence William Craigmiles; and one sister, Maude M. (Ted) Craigmiles. Mrs. Moldovan was associated in business with her father at the W.H. Craigmiles and Daughter store in Pleasant Hill. Later she was a buyer for Brooks Brothers clothing stores in Chicago and New York. She and her husband established Jo Jo's Fried Chicken in West Palm Beach, Fla. She returned to Pleasant Hill in 1972. Mrs. Moldovan was a member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, where she had taught Sunday school as a young woman and since returning to Pleasant Hill had been a member of the Gleaners Sunday school class. She was a 50-year member of the Pittsfield Chapter No. 195 Order of Eastern Star. Mrs. Moldovan was a 1927 graduate of MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Ill., with a bachelor of arts degree in art. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until time of services Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church or the charity of the donor's choice. Smith Funeral Home in Hannibal is in charge of arrangements.
ALICE LOUISE (CRAYS) MOON
84, of Pittsfield and Bonita Springs, Fla. died Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at North Collier Hospital, Naples, Fla.
She was born June 10, 1924 in Rossville, the daughter of Louise and Harold Crays who preceded her in death. She graduated from Rossville High School and attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo. In 1943, during WW II, she met and married Dr. Eugene (Bud) Moon, an Army officer. After the war, Dr. Moon worked with the US Department of agriculture and was assigned to Pike County. Even though future assignments led them to different locales, Pittsfield and Pike County remained "home" and they returned to the area on retirement. Dr. Moon preceded her in death in 2005.
Alice had a great passion for life and family and friendships were the centerpieces. She never knew a stranger, and she maintained and nurtured friendships even as her health and eyesight failed. She was an avid bridge player and played with her usual group the Wednesday prior to her hospitalization. She also loved the Chicago Cubs-watching a game with her was never a placid occasion! In addition, she was an avid golfer, and a former member of the Old Orchard Country Club of Pittsfield.
She is survived by her daughters and their husbands: Melinda and Tom Dawe of Albuquerque, NM; Christy and Patrick Browning of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and her son and his wife,
Steve and Laura Moon of Bonita Springs, Fla. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Ian Dawe, Tyler Dawe, Erin Browning, Ryan Browning and Elaine Moon and her cousins, Barbara and Jim Love and Tom Crays.
Funeral services were held Monday, April 13, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Pittsfield with Rev. Linda Peyla officiating. Burial was at the St. Stephen Episcopal Cemetery, Pittsfield. Visitation was held Saturday, April 11, from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield.
Condolences to the family may be sent online to info@nieburfh.com. The Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, is handling the services
Contributed by Billie Browning from the Pike Press
EUGENE E. MOON
of Bonita Springs, Florida, and formerly of Pittsfield, Illinois, died on Monday, August 22, 2005, at his home in Bonita Springs, Florida. He was born on September 12, 1914, in Rock Rapids, Iowa, to Samuel and Margaret Busch Moon. He married Alice Crays on November 11, 1944 in Rossville, Illinois at her parent’s home. He attended Buena Vista College and graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. He was an Army Major in World War II having served in India during that war. He worked with the US Department of Agriculture in a variety of locations---Pittsfield and Charleston, Illinois; Jackson, Mississippi and finally with the Chicago Stockyards as the Department’s Veterinarian in Charge. On retirement, he and Alice returned to Pittsfield where they have resided for the past 35 years.
One of the great joys of Bud’s retirement was playing golf, and he enjoyed playing at the Old Orchard Country Club with a wide group of friends until his physical health declined. He and Alice also spent part of each year in Florida so they could play golf year round. An avid baseball fan, he had an encyclopedic knowledge of the game and its players and continued to lament the ongoing tribulations of the Chicago Cubs. He also loved driving the back roads of Pike and Calhoun counties in Illinois and reflect on the changing seasons. He was extremely well read and could recite poetry from memory. He could regale friends and family alike with great stories---sometimes even ones that were true, hence high his grandchildren’s nickname for him of “Genuine Eugene the Truth Machine.”
Survivors: his wife of 61 years, Alice, three children: Melinda (Tom) Dawe of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Christy (Patrick) Browning of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Stephen (Laura) Moon of Bonita Springs, Florida. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Ian and Tyler Dawe, Erin and Ryan Browning, and Elaine Moon. He is also survived by a nephew, Eugene Welch. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Marguerite Welch.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 26, 2005 at the Pittsfield United Methodist Church at 11:30 A.M.. with Rev. Linda Peyla officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2005 with family meeting friends from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, IL. Memorials are to Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice, 27200 Imperial St., Bonita Springs, FL 34135, or the Pittsfield United Methodist Church, 222 N. Monroe, Pittsfield, Il 62363, or the Pittsfield Public Library, 205 N. Memorial, Pittsfield, IL 62363.
JOHN CORYDON MOON
president of the Landis Machine Co. and former carriage manufacturer, died early today of arterio-sclerosis at his home, Westmoreland place. Mr. Moon, who was 80 years old, had been ill since last August, when he suffered an attack while attending the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago. Always in business forhimself, Mr. Moon started as a photographer at Barry Ill. He later bought and sold buggies there and operated a livery business. In 1882, with his brother, Joseph W. Moon, who later became an automobile manufacturer, he organized the Moon Bros. Carriage Co. for the wholesale manufacture of carriages. Mr. Moon, wo never owned any stock in the Moon Motor Car Co. continued the carriage business after his brother went into automobile manufacturing. The carriage concern was disolved about two years ago. At the time of his death, Mr. Moon was also president of the Mutual Wheel Co. of Moline, Ill. A concern formed by several carriage manufacturers. He was former president of the Moon-Hopkins Billing Machine Co., which was purchased by the Burroughs Adding Machine Co. in 1921, and moved to the Burroughs factory in Detroit. The Landis Co. makes shoe-repair machinery. Born in Brown County, Ohio, he was educated in Ohio public schools. He was married in 1880 to Miss Lelia M. Davis of Barry. She died in 1927. Surviving are his daughter, Mrs. Maude M. Lee, who resides at the Westmoreland address, and three sisters, Mrs. Alfred Moberly of St. Louis, Mrs. Thomas Coffman of Barry and mrs. Martha Matthews of Buford Ohio. Funeral services will be held at the residence at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon, with interment in a family mausoleum in Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Contributed by Corinne Palko
LEILA (DAVIS) MOON
, 72, wife of John C. Moon, and former Barry woman, died at her home in St. Louis, Missouri, after a few days illness of pneumonia.
Leila May Davis, daughter of Samuel and Clara Davis, was born May 1, 1854, and she grew to beautiful womanhood and on January 1, 1880, was united in marriage to J. C. Moon of Cincinnati, Ohio and to this union one daughter, Mrs. Maude Lee, was born. Mrs. Lee was her mother’s constant companion for the past six years. In 1882 the family moved to St. Louis, where Mr. Moon engaged in business and where they have since resided.
Contributed by Margaret Rutledge
ALDEAN (SCRANTON) MORROW
, 85, of New Hartford, die Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008, at Liberty Village in Pittsfield.
She was born in Nebo Nov. 6, 1922 to Lore Olen and Eva Bunn Scranton. She married Virgil Eugene Morrow July 25, 1942 and he died Feb. 7, 1982.
Aldean was a farm wife and homemaker and she enjoyed quilting, gardening, reading and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a tuber of the "Young at Heart Club in Pittsfield and the New Testament Church of Christ in Pittsfield.
Her survivors include a daughter, Phyllis (Robert) Scott of Baldwin; a daughter-in-law, Shirley Morrow of Rockport; six randchildren, Rhonda (Greg) Radford of Elkville, Dawn Howe of B lleville, Tina (Tim) Mandrill of owling Green, Ky., Kelly (Jam) Morrow of Laront, Mo., Kim (Greg) lien of Pittsfield and Dusty (Lydia) orrow of Pittsfield; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Aldean was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Eugene Morrow, two sisters, Aletha Brokaw and Dianna Forqy and by a son, Gary Lynn Morrow.
Funeral services will be held today, Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. at the Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill. Burial will follow in the Nebo Cemetery. Visitation was held Wednesday morning from 9 a.m. until time of services.
Memorials may be made to the Blessing Hospice of Pike County. Lummis Funeral Hone in Pleasant Hill is handling the arrangements.
Contributed by Billie Browning
BUD MORROW
, Strafford, Mo, 81, passed away Monday, April 25, 2011 in Cox South Hospital. Bud was born October 14, 1929 in Atlas, Illinois.
Bud was a Tool and Die Maker for over 50 years and a part-time farmer. He loved Harley Davidson motorcycles, horses, the outdoors, and most of all his family.
His parents and sister, Lorena Woodeard of Pittsfield, Illinois, preceded him in death. He is survived by wife, Gayle Morrow; daughters, Rhonda Koncor (David), Madison, Mo., Kelly Churchill, Springfield, Betsy Kinney, Strafford; son, Jason Morrow (Amanda), Springfield; six grandchildren, Brandi Baldwin (Jared), Lacy Koncor, Travis Koncor, Madison, Mo., Matty Kinney, Sami Kinney, Strafford, and Taylor Morrow; Springfield; three great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Joe and Ryan Baldwin, Madison, Mo.; sisters, Doris Browning and Betty McGlasson; brother, Kenneth Morrow, all of Pittsfield, IL; and brother, Ronald Morrow of Pleasanton, CA;
Memorial visitation will be held in Greenlawn Funeral Home East on Thursday, April 28, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Memorial services will be at 3:00 P.M., Friday, April 29, also in Greenlawn East. Burial will follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, Strafford, Mo.
Contributed by Billie Browning
RICHARD MORROW
, 59 of Normal, IL and formerly of Barry, IL passed away Friday July 14, 2006 at Atlas, IL of natural causes. Richard was born in Rockport IL July 17, 1946 to Eugene and Hattie Howland Morrow. He married Daphne McKay November 20, 1973 in Quincy, IL. Richard had graduated from Western Illinois University at Macomb, then worked for GTE / Verizon where he retired in1998 after 30 years of service. Mr. Morrow was currently working as a Communications Consulting Engineer for Killion Communication in Roodhouse, IL. Richard was a veteran, having served in Korea in the US Army during peacetime. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 82 in Ft. Wayne, IN and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary # 3512 in Ft. Wayne. Richard coached Little League Baseball and was the best grandfather ever. His family was his life, and he loved them dearly. He was baptized in the First Christian Church in Barry, IL. Survivors include three sons Sean (wife Liz) Morrow of Towanda, IL; Jason (Coletta) Morrow and Jeremy Morrow, both of Normal, IL. Three granddaughters are Brooke, Tiffany and Mary Margaret Morrow. One brother, William Morrow of St. Charles MO survives along with seven sisters: Bernice Grimsley of New Canton, Barbara (husband Daney) Robinson of Louisiana, MO, Sally (husband Duane) Cramm of Mendon, IL, Minnie (husband Bruce) Cooper of Winchester, IL, Kathy (husband Allen) Reynolds of Barry, IL, Judy (husband Gary) Hinch of Barry, IL, and Rosemary (husband Bob) Smith of Barry, IL. Also surviving are 33 nieces and nephews, 58 great nieces and nephews and 28 great great nieces and nephews. Mr. Morrow was preceded by his parents, two brothers, Wilbur and Joe and two sisters, Nancy and Erma Claus. Services will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 10:00am at the Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL with Pastor Kent Hillesland officiating. Visitation will be held after 4pm Tuesday at the funeral chapel. Burial will be at the Samuel Taylor Cemetery in Rockport, IL with Military Rites conducted by the Barry American Legion Post 222. An Education Fund for Richard’s granddaughters has been established and memorials may be left or mailed to Niebur Funeral Chapel, PO Box 36, Barry, IL 62312.
Contributed by Kathy Robinson
SHIRLEY I. MORROW
, 62, of Rockport, Hi died Tuesday, Aug. 18. 2009 at her home.
She was born Jan. 4, 1947 in Fieldon, the daughter of Armistead and Margaret Hannel Phillips. She married Gary L. Morrow Sept. 11, 1965 in Louisiana, Mo. and he died April 16, 2003.
Shirley was a 1965 graduate of Pittsfield High School and was employed by Stark Brothers Nursery as office manager for their Atlas facility for many years.
She enjoyed gardening, traveling and most importantly, spending time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include three children, Kelly (wife Jana) Morrow of La Monte, Mo., Kim (husband Greg) Allen of rural Pittsfield and Dusty (wife Jenna) Morrow of rural Pittsfield; four grandchildren, Erin Allen, Colton Allen, Katelyn Morrow and Tegan Morrow; two step grandchildren, Lauren and Dacey; also two brothers, Jim Phillips of Elsah Hills and Simeon Phillips of Kane,
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and three brothers, Leroy, Allen and Ronnie Phillips.
Graveside services were held Thursday, Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. at the Samuel Taylor Cemetery near Rockport conducted by Don Peebles. Burial followed at Samuel Taylor Cemetery. There was no visitation, however, friends were invited to the graveside services. Memorials may be made to the Samuel Taylor Cemetery Association.
Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill handled the arrangements.
Contributed by Billie Browning from the Pike Press
DELLA (ATOR) MOTLEY
, 82, of New Hartford, died Friday evening, Dec. 8, 2000, at her residence. Born Oct. 14, 1918 in Martinsburg Township, Pike County, she was a daughter of the late George and Nettie Howland Ator. She married Woodrow Motley on Dec. 22, 1937 in Pittsfield and he survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Jerry Motley (wife Ruth Ann) of Barry, & Stanley Motley (wife Betty) of Pacific, MO; 4 grandchildren, David Motley of Barry, Mrs. Allen (Mary Elaine) Nigg of Battle Creek, MI, Mrs. Scott (Lisa) Gard of Kansas City, MO & Steven Motley of Pacific, MO; 5 great-grandchildren, Ryan Lee Motley and Rachel Ester Motley, both of Barry, Jacob and Morgan Nigg, both of Battle Creek, MI, and Michael Gard of Kansas City, MO; Homer Ator of Albuquerque, NM, and Russell Ator of Pittsfield, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; 3 sisters, Pauline Myers, Georgia Ator, and Kathryn Ash; and 3 brothers, Carl, Art and Jerry Ator. Mrs. Motley was a 1936 graduate of Pleasant Hill High School. She farmed with her husband near Rockport before becoming employed by Curtis-Wright Co. in St Louis. She was a member of the El Dara United Methodist Church. Funeral services were held at 2 pm Dec. 12, at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Bro. Robert Hammitt officiating. Burial was in Samuel-Taylor Cemetery near Rockport. Memorials may be made to the Pike County Cancer Transportation Fund.
Contributed by Kathy Robinson
JUANITA D. MOTLEY
, of Shawnee KS , went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 12, 2010 at Sharon Lane Nursing Home. She was born in Barry , IL on October 22, 1917 and was a 1935 graduate of Barry High School . She lived in Pittsfield , IL , then North Kansas City for 35 years and Green Bay , WI before moving to Shawnee in 2005. She retired from the Baptist Book Store and enjoyed singing in church choirs for many years. She attended Shawnee Mission Baptist Temple at the time of her passing. Juanita had a great love for her family and sacrificed much for them.
Survivors include her son, Robert (Patti) Motley of Shawnee, grandchildren, Doug (Karen) of Lansing , MI and Brian of Appleton, WI, Shawn (Mayleen) Callahan of Kansas City, MO, Melissa Allen of Shawnee ; 12 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, sister Wilma Altizer of Pittsfield , IL and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Joanna (Turner) Davis, 3 brothers; Grant Pennock, Howard Davis, and Charles Davis and one sister, Freda Canterbury. Visitation will be from 11:00 – 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry. Graveside services will follow immediately at Park Lawn Cemetery in Barry with Clint Weir officiating
Contributed by Billie Browning
JUANITA D. MOTLEY
-- His wife was Etta L. Walker. His parents were George Earl Motley and Opal Lorene Boots. His obituary: Kenneth E. "Ken" Motley, 64, of Rockport, died Monday, Jan. 13, 2003, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. He was born Dec. 14, 1938 in Rockport to George Earl and Opal L. Boots Motley. He married Etta L. Walker Oct. 11, 1970 in Louisiana, Mo. She survives in Rockport. Other survivors are his mother, Opal L. Motley of Rockport; two sons, Bradley K. Motley (fiancée Rebecca Thornhill) of Rockport and William Motley of Rockport; two daughters, Rhonda (husband Justin) Hanson of Rockport and Eileen Brush or Orrick Mo.; one brother, Douglas Motley of Elsberry, Mo.; two sisters, Joyce Martin of Liberty and Sharon Gates of New Canton; and three grandchildren, Kelsy Brush, Kevin Brush and Jonathan Hanson. He was preceded in death by his father. He was a retired carpenter and had also been employed by the Pittsfield Wal-Mart store. He was of the Christian faith. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading and music. Funeral services held Thursday at the Ward-Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill were conducted by the Rev. Howard Sallee. Burial was in Samuel Taylor Cemetery near Rockport. Casket bearers were Alan Walker, Roger Walker, Justin Hanson, Tom Duncan, Cliff Kirby and Joe Kirby. Honorary bearers were Bob Gates, Rob Gates, Mark Martin, Brian Kirby, Jim Kirby, Rodney Motley and Carl McCleery. Memorials are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation.
Contributed by Kathy Robinson
LENA M. MOTLEY
, 83, of Pleasant Hill, died at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 11, 1999, at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield. Mrs. Daniels was born Jan 21, 1916, in Summer Hill, a daughter of John William and Bertha Howell Boots. She married William Ernest Motley in 193I. He died in 1948. She married Alvin Daniels in 1955. He died in 1966. Mrs. Daniels had been an employee of the Pleasant Hill Garment Factory. She enjoyed sewing and was a member of Pleasant Hill Christian Church. Survivors include one son, Dudley (wife Alice) Motley of Pittsfield; one daughter, Beverly Worthen of Granite City; two step-daughters, Charlotte Hirst of Mexico, Mo, and Cherlyn Boots of Louisiana, Mo.; 2 brothers, Leslie Boots of Jacksonville and Donald Boots of Missouri; 3 sisters, Opal Motley of Rockport, Frances Buchanan of Frankfort, Mo., and Mary Conner of Louisiana, Mo; 7 grandchildren, 6 stepgrandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Mrs. Daniels was preceded in death by an infant son, William Ernest Motley Jr; a son, Dennis Motley; 2 brothers, Lloyd and Walter Boots; and 2 sisters, Susie Grimsley and Maxine Cole. Funeral Services were Saturday at 2 p.m. at Ward-Lummis funeral home in Pleasant Hill conducted by Eldon Cook. Burial was at Samuel Taylor Cemetery in Rockport. Memorials may be made to Samuel Taylor cemetery or the charity or organization of the donors’ choice.
Contributed by Carolyne Conner Puskas
LORETTA M. (SHEPARD) MOTLEY
, 82, of New Salem, IL formerly of Barry, Il died Monday morning, September 18, 2006 at 2:20 a.m. at the Eastside Healthcare & Rehab Center, Pittsfield, IL. She was born on October 18, 1923 in St. Louis, MO to William Albert and Nellie Rose Stewart Shepard. Loretta married Henry Motley on January 30, 1954 in Jerseyville, IL.
She worked for Columbian Seed Co. in Calhoun County and Churchill Nursing Home, Barry, Il. She was a member of the Barry Church of Christ, Royal Neighbors. She was a collector of nick knacks and loved animals.
Mrs. Motley is survived by her husband Henry Motley, a son Henry R. (Mary) Motley, Jr., Bethlehem, PA., a daughter Mrs. Keith (Vallerie) Williams, Paris, IL., seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren, four step grandchildren and two step great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Preceded by a son William, two sisters and one brother.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL with Jimmy Hodges officiating. Burial will be at the Taylor-Martin Cemetery, El Dara, IL. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 4-8 p.m. with family present 6-8. Lunch will be served at the Church of Christ in Barry following the services.
MARGARET MOTLEY
, 65, of Marysville, Washington, formerly of Barry, died Monday, April 25, in Providence Regional Medical Center, Everett, Washington.
She was born Oct. 30, 1945, in Pittsfield, Illinois, to Elliott and Opal (Spann) Motley. They preceded her in death. She is survived by one son, Aaron Logsdon and wife, Sonya of Marysville, Wash.; a daughter-in-law, Denise Heavner of Springfield; three grandchildren, Jerry Motley of Springfield; Connor Logsdon and Kailen Logsdon, both of Marysville and a special friend who is like a daughter, Yoaly Avila.
She is also survived by one sister, Suzanne Williams of Desoto and one brother, Bobby Motley of Shawnee, Kan. She was preceded in death by one son, Wayne Motley.
Carol regularly attended church. She was always willing to help anyone in need. She graduated from John Wood Community College with an Associates in Applied Science and accepted a position at Quincy Medical Group as a medical transcriptionist. She loved family above all.
Visitation was held from 6 - 8 p.m. Friday, April 29, at the Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 2, at Park Lawn Cemetery, Barry. Burial was in Park Lawn Cemetery, Barry.
Cotnributed by Billie Browning
OPAL (BOOTS) MOTLEY
, was born on April 12, 1918 at Summer Hill, Ill to John and Bertha Howell Boots and she left her earthly body and became a guardian angel on Dec. 5, 2005 at Illini community Hospital in Pittsfield surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral services were held Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Ward-Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill, Ill conducted by Rev. Howard Sallee. Burial was at the Samuel Taylor Cemetery at Rockport, Ill.
She married G. Earl Motley on April 28, 1936 in Pittsfield, Ill. She worked as a cook at the Rockport School and had also been employed by Stark Brothers Nursery and Davis-Cleaver. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, birthday club, sewing, singing, music, reading, quilting, genealogy, visiting at the nursing home and she wrote beautiful poetry. She was a kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Mrs. Motley was a member of the New Canton United Methodist Church.
She is survived by two daughters, Joyce Martin of Liberty, Ill and Sharon Gates and husband, Bob of New Canton, Ill; a daughter-in-law, Etta Motley of Rockport, Ill; a son, Doug Motley and wife, Carolyn of Bowling Green; two sisters, Frances “Nan” Buchanan of Frankford and Mary Conner of Louisiana; a brother, Donald Boots and wife, Evelyn of Van Buren; and 12 grandchildren, Mark Martin and wife, Kim of Delores, Colo., Teresa Harbison and Susan Martin, both of Liberty, Ill, Brad Motley and wife Becca, Bill Motley and Rhonda Hanson and husband Justin, all of Rockport, Ill, Eileen Brush of Orrick, Rob Gates and wife, Jan of New Canton, Ill, Shelly Syrels of Barry, Ill, Rodney Motley and wife, Rita and Chris Motley, all of bowling Green, and Gina Motley of Elsberry. She is also survived by 23 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.
Mrs. Motley was preceded in death by her husband, G. Earl Motley on Feb. 16, 1991; three sisters, Susie Grimsley, Maxine Cole and Lena Daniels; three brothers, Walter, Loyd and Leslie boots; a son, Kenneth Motley, a son-in-law, Gilbert Martin, two grandsons, Marvin Harbison and Kevin “Red” Syrcle’ and one great-grandson, Shawn Harbison.
Casket bearers were Mark Martin, Brad Motley, Bill Motley, Justin Hanson, Rob Gates, Rodney Motley, and Jamie Martin. Honorary bearers were Andy Harbison, Joe Harbison, Alex Harbison, Jonathan Hanson, Shane Sutton and Tim Barker.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Canton United Methodist Church Building Fund or the Samuel Taylor Cemetery.
Contributed by Carolyne Conner Puskas
OPAL A. MOTLEY
, 86, of DeSoto, Illinois, formerly of Barry, passed away at 5:00 a.m. Monday, October 18, 2010, in Herrin Hospital, Herrin, Illinois.
She was born November 3, 1923, in New Canton, Illinois, to George E. & Susie Anna (Wagner) Spann. They preceded her in death.
She married George Elliot Motley, on August 1, 1945, in Pittsfield, Illinois. He preceded her in death on March 28, 1980.
She is survived by 2 daughters - Margaret Carol Motley, o Marysville, Washington and Clara Suzanne Williams, of DeSoto, Illinois; and 1 son - Robert E. Motley, wife Patti, of Kansas City, Missouri.
She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Aaron Logsdon, Greg Motley, Courtney Motley, Deanne Wilsey, Michele Newman, Megan Williams, Doug Motley and Brian Motley; 18 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, 1 brother, Edwin Spann of Barry and 1 sister, Joan McTucker, of Helotes, Texas.
She was preceded in death by 1 son, Mike Motley, a grandson, Wayne Motley, 1 brother, Dick Spann, and 5 sisters, Hazel Bowen, Marjorie Ellen Spann, Dorothy Howell, Frances Hodson and Bessie Darr.
Opal was fond of flowers & gardening. She enjoyed sewing and helping charities. She was well known as a people person.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 22, 2010, at the Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 23, 2010, at the Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry. Burial will be in Park Lawn Cemetery, Barry, Illinois.
Memorials are suggested to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the Salvation Army.
Contributed by Billie Browning
ROBERTA E. MOTLEY
, 77, of Glendale, Colo. and formerly of Rockport, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000 at her residence in Glendale. Born March 12, 1923 in Rockport, she was a daughter of the late John W. and Effie Ray Ward Motley. Surviving are one brother, Woodrow Motley (wife Della) of Pittsfield; and four nephews, Steve Woods of the state of Washington, Timothy Woods of Denver, Colo., Stanley Motley of Union City, Ga., and Jerry Motley of Barry. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Marjorie Woods; and three brothers, Thomas, Walter, and Hubert Motley. Ms. Motley had been employed as a waitress for most of her working life, retiring in 1993. She was a member of the Rockport United Methodist Church. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield, with Bro. Robert Hammitt officiating. Burial was in Samuel-Taylor Cemetery in Rockport. Memorials may be made to the Samuel-Taylor Cemetery.
Contributed by Kathy Robinson
WINIFRED E. (GARNER) MOTLEY
, 86, of El Dara, a retired schoolteacher, died Thursday (April 21, 1994) in Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield.
Mrs. Motley was born June 16, 1907, near El Dara, a daughter of Herman and Ethel White Garner. She married Ross Motley Feb. 8, 1930, near El Dara. He died March 15, 1977.
Mrs. Motley lived her entire life in the El Dara community and attended El Dara and Taylor elementary schools and Rockport and New Canton high schools. She also attended Western Illinois State Teachers College and taught school for 38 years.
Mrs. Motley was a life member of El Dara Methodist Church and also belonged to the United Methodist Women, Barry Women's Christian Temperance Union, Retired Teachers Association, and the Illinois and National Education associations.
Survivors include a son, Larry R. Motley of Lincoln; two brothers, Wendell Garner of El Dara and Richard Garner of Washington, Ill.; two sisters, Charlene Smith of Pittsfield and Leola Sack of Columbia, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Marjorie Losch, Florine Williams and Doris Imgene in infancy. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today in El Dara Methodist Church. Burial will be in Pittsfield West Cemetery.
The Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry is handling arrangements. Memorials may be made to El Dara United Methodist' Church.
Contributed by Ella Tittsworth - Transcribed by Rosemary Reeves
WOODROW ELLSWORTH MOTLEY
, age 84, of New Hartford, died Tuesday morning March 4, 2003, at his residence. He was born May 1, 1918 in Parkside, Canada son of the late John W. and Effie R. Ward Motley. He married Della Ator on December 22, 1937 in Pittsfield, and she preceded him in death on December 8, 2000. Surviving are 2 sons, Jerry Motley (wife Ruth Ann) of Barry, & Stanley Motley (wife Betty) of Wildwood, MO; 4 grandchildren, David Motley (wife Kimberly) of Barry, Mrs. Allen (Mary Elaine) Nigg of Battle Creek, MI, Mrs. Scott (Lisa) Gard of Salina, KS, & Steven Motley of Wildwood, MO; 6 great-grandchildren, Ryan Lee Motley, Rachel Esther Motley both of Barry, Jacob and Morgan Nigg both of Battle Creek, MI, & Michael Scott Gard & Joseph Alan Gard of Salina, KS; & several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; 2 sisters, Roberta Motley & Marjorie Woods; 3 brothers, Walter Motley, Tom Motley, and Hubert Motley. Woodrow farmed northwest of Rockport, and southeast of El Dara, for many years. He was a member of the New Hartford Christian Church and helped to build the Rockport Methodist Church and was a past member of the El Dara Methodist Church. He was very active in his community serving as a 4-H leader in El Dara and a member of the El Dara Masonic Lodge #388. He also served on the board of directors for Production Credit Association as well as the Samuel-Taylor Cemetery board. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during W.W. II. Funeral services will be held 10 am Saturday, March 8, 2003, at the New Hartford Christian Church with Rev. Scott DeCamp and Bro. Robert Hammitt officiating. Burial will be in Samuel-Taylor Cemetery near Rockport, where graveside military rites will be conducted by Pittsfield American Legion Post #1040. Friends may call after 3 pm Friday at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield, where family will meet with friends from 6 to 8 pm. Memorials may be made to Blessing Hospice of Pike County.
Contributed by Kathy Robinson
ALONZO MURPHY
, died Friday, oldest son of John W. Murphy. Born 8 May 1856 in Fayette Co. IN; married 1880 Agnes Gorton.
Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne - [excerpt from Barry Adage, Thurs 9 Jan 1896, p7, c3]
Obituary for Agnes (Gorton) Murphy Smith
JOHN MURPHY
, an old veteran, died last week Monday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Thomas Wakefield, in Pittsfield. He was an inmate of the Soldier's Home in Quincy until about three weeks ago. He was a member of Co. D., Ninety-ninth Ill. Vol. Inft. Deceased lived in Barry for many years with his daughter, whose husband was employed in The Adage office.
Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne - [Barry Adage, Thur. 23 Feb 1905, p5] [John W. Murphy, widower of Lucretia L. (Stevens), died 13 Feb 1905.]
LOWELL GLENN MURPHY
, 92, of Kinderhook died Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at the Barry Community Care Center.
He was born May 16, 1917 in Hull to Glenn and Hazel Fitzgerald Murphy. He married Eva Gallaher VanOrder in Palmyra, Mo. in 1947, she preceded him in death in 1994. He was also preceded by his parents and a sister, Margaret Wichman.
He is survived by a son, Michael Jan Murphy (wife Mardi) of Kinderhook; a stepdaughter, Deloris Scranton (husband John) of Quincy; a stepson, Richard VanOrder of Hemet, Calif; three grandsons, Todd Murphy (wife Melissa) of Payson, Christopher Murphy (wife Yvette) of Payson and Miles Murphy (wife Ruchelle) of Barry; four great- grandchildren, Aby Murphy, Kaity Murphy, Gage Murphy and Jacob Murphy; two step-great-grandchildren, Dustin and Duane Klingele.
He proudly and patriotically served in the United States Army from 1941 to 1946 serving in Iceland, England, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria and Italy. He was a heavy machine gunner in the 5th Infantry Division under Major General S. LeRoy Irwin. He was a brave soldier continuing his family's military heritage.
He was a lifetime self-employed Pike County farmer. He was the Dekalb Pike County National Champion Farmer in 1950. He was the former Kinderhook Village Mayor, volunteer fire fighter and active in his community and political events. He served on numerous boards and committees. He enjoyed traveling and RVing in the West and Southern United States. He proudly lived and farmed in Pike County, proud to be an American, serving his country and loving his family.
Private services were held Friday, March 20. Burial was at the Kinderhook Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to the Hull-Kinderhook Fire Dept.
Contributed by Billie Browning
LUCRETIA (STEVENS) MURPHY
, was born in Fayette county, Indiana, March 1, 1832, and died at home in Barry, Jan. 14, 1897. Her age at the time of her death was 64 years 10 months and 13 days. She was married to John W. Murphy Jan. 7, 1853, and moved to Pike county, Illinois, in 1859, and had been a resident of Barry since 1866. She was the mother of seven children, five of whom preceded her to the better world. She leaves a husband and two children--Mrs. Belle Wakefield and John Murphy--and three brothers and several grandchildren to mourn their loss. Funeral services were held at the family residence on Saturday, January 16th...by Rev. W. N. Rutledge, and the interment was in the Barry cemetery.
Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne
[Barry Adage, Thurs, 21 Jan 1897] [Marriage recorded 8 Jan 1852 in Fayette Co, IN. vgb]