We are uncertain about the year the school was built and established. The earliest we found was 1888 and the teacher was William T. Moore. At that time he received $40.00 a month with duties also being caretaker of the school (janitors and some times they cooked a pan of soup or beans on the coal stove). By 1943 the salaries got up to $75.00 a month. Most of the teachers lived in one of the neighbor’s homes close to the school.
School terms were seven months until 1930's (October-Ending in April). The year had two terms. The year was made up into two terms ( winter was five months and spring two months ending in April). It was believed that this way the boys could help with planting and harvesting. Many students did not go to high school because of bus service or they would have to live in Rich Hill with a relative or friend.
This was taken from the School Board Record Books: (The District7 in Prairie Township was formed in1921.) The children were divided into classes as follows:7th and 8th grade—Class A, 5th and 6th—Class B, 3rd and 4th—Class C and 1st and 2nd—Class D.
The Mission Branch school set on the north side of the road about one mile east of N Highway going north. The school was closed in 1954 and the students were transported to Prairie School. Shortly after the school closed Dwight Terry purchased the school and moved it approximately one-quarter of a mile north. It still stands on the property that is now owned by the Goosen family.
Next week the story will be about Seelinger School. I am just putting highlights about the schools in the news paper and on the radio. Our school history book is more detailed with information, pictures and list of teachers, student’s and school board members. We spent many hours going through old records at the Rich Hill School. We found that the students not only received grades at school, but grades at home also were given. We have many interesting things in the school history book.
If you haven’t been to Papinville to see our town sign you need to make a trip out to see it. People who live in this community are very proud of our little community. Things are being done to make the school yard pretty for the picnic and a project for the cemetery is in the plans. Come out to the picnic and hear about the future plans for the Historic and Cemetery Association. A quilt has been made to raffle off and a painting of the school will be auction off during the pie auction. Mark Sept. 27 on your calendar starting at 1:30. Until next week.
Submitted by Phyllis Stewart Activity Director
Friday, September 5, 2025
Obituary - Martha Jane Headley-Smith
August 7th, 1927 - August 31st, 2025
Martha, age 98, passed from this earth to be with Jesus at her devoted daughter Deborah's home surrounded by loved ones.
Martha was born in Athens, Ohio, 3rd child to Ross Wyatt and Pearl Belle Robinson-Headley. Later moving to Columbus, Ohio where she attended school and worked at the Woolworth perfume department as a "hankey girl".
Martha was united in marriage to Charles William C.W. "Hank" Smith Jr. starting their lives Cadis, Ohio later moving to Peru, Indiana, raising three children. Martha attended Peru First Christian Church, taught Sunday School, worked with youth group, youth and adult choirs, VBS, the Coffee House for Street Kid Ministries, as well as the Suicide Prevention Hotline. Avid volunteer and member and member of the Republican Women's Voters. She loved planting flowers, spent countless hours at the Yogi Bear Campground, camping every Summer and being a part of the "Almond" family.
Martha worked in dietary positions at Ridgeview, both Jr. and Senior High Schools, and the director of the Senior Citizens Center at Peru YMCA. She oversaw many banquets, as well as maintenance and janitorial duties. She was a founding member of Cornerstone Church in Peru.
Martha moved to Rich Hill, Missouri to be near family after retirement. She became a member of the Rich Hill Christian Church and settled into the community she considered home. She was involved in many groups, the Rich Hill Garden Club, Liaison Council, loved the library and Ms. Dixie, cleaned various businesses and teh Security Bank.
She was preceded in death by her parents R.W. and Pearl Belle Headley, both her brothers Harold E. Headley and wives Romette and Ruth, William P. "Billy" and wife Orpha, husband Charles William "Hank" Smith Jr., niece Janis R. Trudo, and precious grandson Taylor Wyatt Smith. Survived by one son, Bruce Lynn and wife Brenda Smith of Florence, Kentucky, two daughters Deborah Sue and husband Joseph Zollman of Brownsburg, Indiana, and Beth Ann and husband "Big Ern" Ernest Doody of Rich Hill, Missouri. Grandchildren Tracy Danielle, Steven Dale, Shaylee Hope Doody and Liza Marie Hofmann. Great grandchildren Joseph Blake, Steven Case, Korben Ray, Michael Barney, Maegan Danielle, Lucy Jo and Oliver Thomas. One special "extra" daughter "Sylvia Kay', one niece Erin Jearn and husband David Trudo and one nephew Randy and wife Carol Headley.
Martha wished to be cremated so no services as of now. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date.
Special thank-you's go to Rian and a team of caregivers and all those dear friends that supported Martha in her last days.
Garage sales galore!
Garage sale address info is available from the Butler Chamber of Commerce, otherwise take a cruise around town and find bargains galore!
Stabbing in Lowry City
During the investigation, a St. Clair County Deputy was able to locate the suspect in the Lowry City area, and was able to take him into custody without incident. After he was treated at Ellett Memorial Hospital for a wound to his hand, the deputies transported him to the St. Clair County Jail pending formal charges.
A Probable Cause Statement was forwarded to the St. Clair County Prosecuting Attorney. The St. Clair County Associate Court issued a No Bond Warrant for Ronald Christopher Voss, charging him with two counts of Assault - 1st Degree or Attempt - Serious Physical Injury or Special Victim, and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.
Obituary - Wallace “Mack” Probasco
There will be a private family service at a later date. Contributions are suggested to the Fort Scott Middle School Orchestra. Online condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com
Obituary - Gregory Ray Stephens
Born August 26, 1957, to Carl and Jean (McCray) Stevens in Nevada, Mo. Passed from this life on August 31, 2025, at the age of 68 years old. Greg grew up in Rich Hill, Mo, and spent most of his life there. He graduated high school in 1975 and immediately went into the Air Force. After that, he met Joyce (Flynn) Brown. When he met Joyce, he knew instantly that her wanted to marry her. After a whirlwind romance they united in marriage on March 3, 1978. Joyce brought two children into the union Lori and John Brown. Of this union two daughters were born Angelique Kay, July 1979 and Kelly Diane, September 1981.
Greg had held numerous jobs throughout his life, however his first love had always been automotive and spent most of this life in that area. Greg loved being with family and friends, playing cards and other games. Watching movies, exchanging and talking about new recipes. Just spending time together and of course, new places to eat!
Preceding Greg in death was his father, Carl Stevens, stepdad Clarence Stevens, Uncle Robert Stevens (infancy), and half-brother Robert Stevens. Survivors include his mother Jean Stephens, sister Connie Stephens and significant other Gail Reardon of the home. Stepdaughter Lori (Shane) Norbury, and stepson John Brown. Daughters Angelique (Tom) Hartline, Kelly (Preston) DuCharme. Grandchildren Kaleob Norbury, Kyle (Tawni)Norbury, Jeweliah Freeman, Ethan (fiancé Lexie McVay) DuCharme, Edwin DuCharme and Breiann DuCharme. Greg even had his precious, special great granddaughter Karmyn Freeman.
Always and Forever we love you.
Courtesy Heuser Funeral Home
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