Veda May (Berry) Ousley 1928-2004

Veda May Ousley was born on September 7, 1928 in Wichita, Kansas to Albert and Maryann Berry. The family later moved to Richland, Missouri where she would later meet William H. "Toot" Ousley while having fun at the local roller rink. The two began dating and were married on June 14, 1946. They raised two children, Tommy and Maria in Waynesville. When the children were grown, she and Toot moved to their farm in Crocker, Missouri.

Veda enjoyed her family and was active in social activities. She became a member of the Rebecca Lodge, and was especially active in the Pulaski County Genealogical Society. Not only was Veda called upon to do research by locals, but by folks scattered across the nation. She worked hard traveling to cemeteries, libraries, and courthouses to research recorded facts.

Veda also enjoyed spending time with her seven grandchildren, who would take turns staying with her at the farm during time off from school. She would involve them with the typical aspects of rural farm life, and an occasional trip to an amusement park. There were many trips to Belle's Creek where they would wade through the water catching crawdads. Veda enjoyed the quiet solitude of the farm until the time of her death.

Veda passed away the morning of Monday, March 8, 2004 in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla, Missouri at the age of 75 years, 6 months and 1 day.

Veda leaves to cherish her memory her husband: William "Toot" Ousley of Crocker, MO; one son: William Thomas "Tom" Ousley of Fulton, MO; one daughter: Maria Ann Peters of Crocker, MO; 2 nieces: Majorie Stacey and Bobbie Fritts, both of Waynesville, MO; 6 grandchildren: Nathan and Mahaley Ousley, Amber Gustafson, Cody Ousley, Shane Peters and Dawn Hicks; 4 great-grandchildren: Garrit and Evan Hicks, Elias Peters and Sadie Gustafson; several other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Albert and Mary Ann Berry; two brothers: Clyde Eugene and Elza Ray; two sisters: Opal and Hazel; and one granddaughter: Autumn Paige Ousley.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, March 11, 2004 in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Rev. Richard Breeden officiating. The songs "Far Side Banks of Jordan", "In the Garden", and "The Old Rugged Cross" were played. Serving as escorts were Danny Crossland, Chuck Ousley, Cody Ousley, Nathan Ousley, Jack Overby and Shane Peters.

Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.