Ross Stivers, 78, of Howe, passed away Friday, May 14, 2004, in Fort Smith, Ark. He was born Jan. 4, 1926 at Wilburton. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Poteau. He taught Vo-Ag at Howe for 20 years; one year at Heavener; and worked for 17 years at the State Department of Vocational Education in Stillwater. He started the vocational education training at Hodgen; after that he set up career development training for surrounding counties. He was a member of OEA, NEA and State Vocational Education Association. He was a 32nd Degree Mason.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Sadie Stivers; two sisters, Mary Ellen Esserman and Dorothy Naush; and three brothers, Jimmy, John and Roy (his twin) Stivers.

Survivors include his wife Artie Stivers of the home; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones; and a host of beloved friends.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 17 at the First United Methodist Church at Poteau with the Revs. Larry Gaston and Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.