Lesta Mae (Newberry) Null 1903-1986

Lesta Mae Null was born in Dixon, Missouri on September 22, 1903 the daughter of Andy and Minnie Prewett Newberry and passed away November 2, 1986.  She had attained the age of 83.

She was united in marriage to Claude Null on September 1, 1924 and unto this union 2 sons were born.

She accepted Christ as her personal saviour and was baptized in the Sheppard Baptist Church.  She and her husband lived in St. Louis for 35 years and moved to Dixon when retired.  She enjoyed her gardening, flowers, and quiltin.

Funeral services were held in the Long Chapel on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1986 with Rev. Billy Claiborn officiating.  Burial was in the Seaton Cemetery.  Organist was Kathy Brandt and Solist was Hazel Schierbaum.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Null were: Michael Null, Carl Null, Edward Eirvin, Charles McSorley, Charles Brittain and Gary Connell.

Lesta is survived by 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Gene and Nora and Mike and Myrtle both of St. Louis, 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, 3 brothers, Everett and Ernest of Dixon and Claude of St. Louis, 1 sister Louise McKnolly of St. Louis with other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and 2 brothers, Herbert and an infant.

Betty L. (McKnolly) Stewart 1934-2009

Betty L. Stewart, of Dixon, was born on November 20, 1934, in Maries County, a daughter of Robert Roy and Louise Anna (Newberry) McKnolly, and departed this life at 12:45 P.M., on Friday, November 20, 2009, at her residence. Mrs. Stewart had been in failing health since February 2009 and had attained the age of 75 years.

Mrs. Stewart was united in marriage on February 18, 1953, at Maplewood to Norbert Thomas Stewart, and to this union five children were born. She was preceded in death by her father on February 23, 1985; her mother on August 31, 1997; and one son, Thomas Norbert Stewart on October 1, 1996.

Mrs. Stewart accepted Jesus Christ as her Personal Lord and Saviour and followed her Lord in baptism early in life while attending the Santee Community Church near Dixon. She was a housewife and homemaker throughout her working life and was always diligent in providing for the needs of her family.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mrs. Stewart include: her husband, Tom Stewart, of the home near Dixon; two sons, Robert Stewart and wife Kim, Arnold; and James “Runt” Stewart, Dixon; two daughters and sons-in-laws, Jenny and Tony Becker, St. Louis; Debbie and Steven Klahs, Arnold; eleven grandchildren, Charly, Tami, Tara, Tiffany, Stephani, J.J., Deborah, Robert A., Christopher, Mandy, and Robert; ten great-grandchildren, Devon, Conner, Emily, Asia, James, Alesha, Robert, Isabella, J.R., and Kirsten; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Mrs. Stewart at 11:00 A.M., November 25, 2009 in the Dixon Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes with Rev. David Vanzant, Sheppard Baptist Church, Dixon, officiating.  Three special musical selections “Precious Memories”, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and “It’s a Wonderful Life”, were played for the funeral service.

Interment was in the West Fairview Cemetery under the direction of the Dixon Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes. Pallbearers for Mrs. Stewart were Bob Stewart, Runt Stewart, J.J. Stewart, Tony Becker, Rob Stewart, and Christopher Becker. Honorary Pallbearers were Charly McCoy and Donnie Wylde.

Memorials are suggested to the West Fairview Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund or the American Cancer Society with envelopes available at the Dixon Office of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes.