Theda Gay (Fleming) Pritchard 1933-2006

Theda Gay Fleming Pritchard was born October 11, 1933 in Clinchco, Virginia to the late Joe C. Fleming and Ocie Fields Fleming. Theda passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at the Covenant Village of Colorado at Westminster, Colorado at the age of 72 years.

Theda was raised in the small coal mining town of Haysi, Virginia. As a young girl she moved to Washington D.C. where she and her sister grew up across the street from the Washington Capital Mall. Theda attended high school in the Washington D.C. area and graduated from Suitland High School, Suitland, Maryland in 1952.

Theda met Keith R. Pritchard, a young soldier stationed at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia and they were married June 15, 1952. Lorel Yvonne Pritchard was born to Theda and Keith during a visit home to Theda's mother on July 23, 1953 at Georgetown University. On November 10, 1955 Keith Wayne Pritchard was born while the family was residing in Dixon, Missouri. January 2, 1959 Kevin William Pritchard was born while the family was residing in rural Waynesville, Missouri.

Shortly after Kevin's birth, Theda began to lose her eyesight and by the early 1970's she was blind. While Theda was visually blind for the rest of her life, she was given an unusual quality of being able to see people clearly with her heart. Theda accomplished many things without sight that those who have retained their sight have yet to accomplish.

In the mid 1970's Theda opened the Upper Room Bible Book Store in her residence in Waynesville, Missouri. For approximately 15 years she ran the Upper Room Bible Book Store almost by herself with minor assistance from friends and family while she provided bibles, religious tapes and books to her friends or anyone she could encounter. Theda loved her Lord and was eager to share God's blessings with anyone who would take the time to visit with her.

Theda was widowed on November 27, 1993 when her husband, Keith, of 41 years passed away suddenly. She continued to live self-sufficiently and alone in her home until the fall of 2003 when she suffered a stroke that left her with diminished memory and physical abilities. Theda continued to reside in her home until December of 2004 with outstanding care by her relatives, church family and wonderful caretakers who provided her assistance.

In December of 2004, Theda moved to Nightingale Lane of Arvada, Colorado where she resided in a memory assisted living facility until June of 2006. In June of 2006 she moved to the Covenant Village of Colorado in Westminster, Colorado, a skilled care facility where she remained until her passing. Theda was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Raymond Pritchard (1993) and her parents, Joe C. Fleming (1989) and Ocie Fields Fleming (1955) and her sister, Lennis "Bonnie" Combs (1982).

She is survived by her three children: Lorel Y. Zander and her husband Jerry of Golden, Colorado, Keith Wayne Pritchard and his wife Barbara of Waynesville, Missouri and Kevin William Pritchard and his wife Nada of Waynesville, Missouri.

Theda is also survived by eight grandchildren: Alicia Dennis and her husband Joel of Westminster, Colorado; Mary Britton of Bunbury, Western Australia and Theanna Asimus and her husband Chris of Dallas, Texas, Emily Jean Pritchard, Kathrine Ann Pritchard, Molly Jane Pritchard, Kyle William Pritchard and John Keith Pritchard, all of Waynesville, Missouri. Additionally, Theda is survived by six great-grandchildren: Josiah Dennis (4), Joshua Dennis (3), Naomi Dennis (1) and Nathanial Dennis (6 months) and Kate Asimus (3) and Haley Asimus (1).

Theda is also survived by several aunts and uncles, a host of family, cousins, nieces and nephews as well as her church family and friends scattered across the globe.

Great praise and honor is given to our Lord for blessing us with the life of Theda Gay Pritchard. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Funeral services were held at 10 AM Monday, September 21, 2006 in the Memorial Chapel of Waynesville with Pastor Judi Tillett officiating. Theda's son Keith and daughter Lorel shared many fond and loving memories of their mother. Granddaughter Emily Pritchard read one of Theda's favorite scriptures, Psalm 91. Music was provided by Brenda Sands and "Amazing Grace" was sung by Glennis Munday and Janoris Williams. Serving as escorts were: Kyle Pritchard Phil Hayes, Joel Dennis, Chris Asimus, Carl Boone, Mike Dunbar, Richard McKinnon and Terry Shultz. Theda was laid to rest by her husband Keith R. Pritchard in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery.

Ruby Lee (Foster) Fields 1914-2005

Ruby Lee (Foster) Fields, daughter of the late Earl and Beulah (Adkins) Foster, was born September 23, 1914 in Spring Creek, Missouri where she grew up. She attended school at the Rolling Heath School.

On November 2, 1935, Ruby was united in marriage to Arthur A. Fields in Rolla, Missouri. They shared over 56 years of marriage together and were blessed with two sons, Norman and Douglas. Arthur preceded her in death on August 7, 1992.

Ruby worked for over twenty years for the Waynesville R-VI School District in the Food Service Department. Ruby was a member of the Pulaski County Historical Society for several years. The one thing Ruby loved doing the most and was the best at was being a mom and homemaker. She treasured the times that she spent with her family and taking care of them. She also enjoyed watching the hummingbirds every year.

Ruby passed away at 11:56 PM Friday, June 17, 2005 in her home at the age of 90 years, 8 months and 25 days.

Ruby will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by one son: Doug Fields and his wife, Georganna of Independence, Missouri; three sisters: Mignion Daley of Waynesville, Missouri; Martha Tucker and Mary Camp, both of St. Louis, Missouri; one brother: Kenny Foster of Waynesville, Missouri; daughter-in-law: Marge Fields of Waynesville, Missouri; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruby was preceded in death by one son: Norman; one brother: James Foster and one great-great grandson.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, June 24, 2005 in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Rev. Danny Graves officiating. A recording of the song "When I Look In The Sky was played. Serving as escorts were Dick Daley, Ron Fields, Anthony Foster, Terry Foster, Dennis Leuchen and Ron Tucker. Serving as honorary escort was Jim Fields.

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

Norman Arthur Fields 1938-2005

Norman Arthur Fields, son of Arthur A. and Ruby L. (Foster) Fields, was born at Spring Creek, Missouri in Pulaski County on December 3, 1938.

Norman grew up in the Waynesville area where he graduated from high school in 1956. He later attended classes at the University of Missouri, Rolla.

On June 29, 1958, at the First Baptist Church in Waynesville, Norman was united in marriage with Marjorie Antinori, and to this union, two children, Gregg and Angie, were born.

Norman owned and operated Fields Gas Company and Fields Hardware in St. Robert for many years. Over the years, he was an active member of his community, serving on the Waynesville City Council, Waynesville School Board, East Elementary PTA, Waynesville Volunteer Fire Department and Committee of 50. Norman was also a member of the Waynesville/St. Robert Chamber of Commerce and the National Whos Who of Business Leaders, and he was very charitable to the Boy Scouts of America. He served his country in the National Guard for over 10 years.

Norman departed this life the evening of June 10, 2005 at St. Johns Regional Medical Center, Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 66 years, 6 months and 7 days.

He will be very sadly missed by his wife: Marjorie of the home; his mother: Ruby Fields of St. Robert; one son: Gregg Fields of Waynesville; one daughter: Angie Bench and her husband, Scotty of Springfield; one brother: Doug Fields and his wife, Georganna of Independence; three grandchildren: James Fields, Melissa Wehner and Devon Bench; three great grandchildren: Kerstyn Wilson and Payton and Parker Wehner, along with several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Norman was preceded in death by his father, Arthur A. Fields on August 7, 1992 and a great grandson, Hunter Avey.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, June 13, 2005 in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Pastor Kenneth Sullins officiating. A recording of the song "That Long, Long, Long Goodbye as performed by Gary Paxton was played. Serving as escorts were Steve Fields, D.J. Halverson, Ed Kubisiak, Jackie and Jerry Morgan and Jim Parson. Serving as honorary escorts were Dean and Mac McKinnon and Herman Vaughn.

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

Julia Emilie Laughlin 1885-1960

Julia Emilie Laughlin was born August 21, 1885 at Moab, Missouri and departed this life at the local hospital February 5, 1960 at the age of 74 years, 5 months, and 14 days.

In 1904 she was married to Charles Bland Laughlin and to this union two children were born. Those surviving are a son Harold H. and daughter, Mrs. Perry carter, both of Waynesville; two brothers, Floyd Thompson of Muskogen, Michigan, and James Thompson of St. Louis, four grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a number of other relatives.

A number of years ago she was converted and united with the Free Will Baptist Church near Moab.

Funeral services were held Sunday, February 7, at 2:00 p.m. at the Gospel Ridge Church with Rev. Henry Prewett officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery under direction of Hedges Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were L.D. Griffith, Elber Carter, Leland Wagner, Henry Shackelford, Eugene Thompson, and Elmer Rigsby.

Mollie (Thompson) Elkins 1883-1957

Mollie Elkins, daughter of John and Laura Thompson, born on January 14 1883 at Spring Creek, Missouri and departed this life on February 13, at the Waynesville General Hospital after being a patient five days. She had been blessed with good health all her life and only failing the last weeks. She is well known in this community having lived her entire life in this vicinity.

In 1902 she was united in marriage to Jasper Atterberry and to this union two daughters and one son were born. Atterberry preceded her in death, January 31, 1925.

In 1927 she was married to Edward Tucker and he passed away in 1943.

She was converted when a young girl and became a member of the Fire Baptised Holiness Church. Since moving to this community she has been very faithful in her attendance to the Gospel Ridge Church and was devoted to church work.

Those left to mourn her passing are two daughters: _____ Claude Hamilton and Mrs. ___Upchurch of Waynesville; one son: Edgar Atterberry of Richland,Missouri; two brothers: ____ Thompson of Muskegon, Michigan, and James H. Thompson of _____flower, Missouri; one sister Julia Laughlin of Waynesville, four grandchildren: Roy Atterberry, Leland Wagner, Carmellia Snodgrass and ____ Wagner. Also surviving four great grandchildren, three step-daughters: Mrs. ___tha Simovic amd Mrs. ____ Rigsby of Springfield, Missouri, Mrs. Neva Campbell of Newburg, four step-sons: Lloyd Lewie Tucker of Bourbon, Donald and Charley of Springfield, Missouri and a number of other relatives and a host of friends.

She was devoted to her family, a kind and loving neighbor and friend, and will be sadly missed by her relatives, ch___, and everyone who knew her.

Funeral services were Friday, February 15 at 2:00 p.m. at the Waynesville Baptist Church with Rev. Henry Pre____ of Newburg officiating. Burial was in the Gospel Ridge cemetery under the direction of Hedges Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Pallbearers were Roy Atterberry, Thomas Wagner, …..

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