Melissa Placher

PUXICO - Melissa Placher, 89, died Feb. 17, 2005, at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter.

Born May 7, 1915, in Puxico, daughter of the late Martin and Ethel Ross Sifford, she was a lifelong resident of the Puxico area, where she was the oldest living member of the Brown General Baptist Church.

On March 31, 1935, at Puxico, she married Martin C. Placher who preceded her in death on Jan. 7, 1992.

Survivors include: three sons, Charles E. Placher, Ray Placher and Johnny Placher of Puxico; and six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Also preceding her in death were two brothers, Martin Sifford and Howard Sifford; and one sister, Ruby Haney.

Visitation begins at 5 p.m. today at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Puxico.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Brown General Baptist Church with the Revs. Johnny Buttry and Marshall Link of Puxico officiating.

Burial will follow in the Brown Cemetery near Puxico.