Not everyone gets to see the world change a dozen times over — from the roar of Model Ts to the glow of smartphones — but five Perry County residents who reached 100 this year have done just that.
The Perry County Historical Society has honored these remarkable men and women in a new publication titled Perry County Centenarians from the 1800s, 1900s, and 2000s. This year’s list adds five more to the “Century Club”: Dorothy Frances Schumer Barry, Raymond (Ray) Eugene Myers, Melva Kahnert Rauss, Evelyn Jaster (Hawk) Flieg, and Mary Lucille “Bootie” Moonier Cottner.
Each of them — all born in 1925 — has a story that could fill a book. Together, they form a living bridge across generations of Perry County history.
EDUCATOR AND ADVOCATE
Dorothy Barry was born in Perry County to Frank A. and Mary Louise Schumer. A teacher by profession, she devoted her life to education and community service. With her husband, Donald, she co-founded a Montessori Educational Center in Alexandria, Louisiana. After returning home, the couple helped establish the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Perryville, ensuring her lifelong dedication to both children and charity would continue to serve others.
A SOLDIER’S SON AND VETERAN
Ray Myers was born to Napolean and Ada Mae Boyles Myers. Both his parents were Centenarians. His father died at age 100, and his mother died at the age of 102. Ray was one of 13 children and raised in Perry County. Ray served in the Army. His wife, Marie, died in 2021; and is buried at the Missouri National Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Perryville.
THE CAREGIVER
Melva Kahnert Rauss was born to Herman and Lina Maria Gerler Kahnert in Altenburg and spent her adult life in Farrar. She and her husband, Norman, raised five daughters. Melva worked at Perry County Nursing Home as an aide, then as a “med tech,” delivering care — and comfort — to others. After retirement, she continued giving back as a volunteer at Perry County Memorial Hospital and was often seen walking laps at the Perry Park Center, a testament to her energy and devotion to health and community.
THE NURSE AND HISTORIAN
Evelyn L. Jaster (Hawk) Flieg devoted her life to caring for others and preserving the stories of her hometown. A member of the Perry County Historical Society herself, Evelyn’s two marriages — to Donald Hawk and later Henry Flieg — anchored her life in love and family. Before moving to Perryville, she worked as an LPN nurse at Mineral Area Hospital, known for her dedication to her patients and her kindness toward everyone she met.
THE PATRIOTIC PARTNER
Mary Lucille “Bootie” Moonier Cottner was born to Leo John and Bertha Mae Pitts Moonier. Mary was the fourth child of seven children. In 1944, Mary was married to Ray Gerald Cottner at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. They were married shortly before Ray was deployed to Europe in World War II as a trusted military driver under General Patton serving France and Germany. Ray Gerald Cottner was born November 28, 1925 and died January 10, 2023. Mary and Ray had one son, Stanley. Mary worked for Bosie Cascade and Ray worked for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Missouri. In Mary’s early employment, she worked at the local Perryville Shoe Factory.
Each of these centenarians has shaped the county in small yet lasting ways — through teaching, service, faith, and hard work. As the Historical Society continues to preserve their stories, these men and women remind us that history isn’t just something we read about. In Perry County, it’s something — and someone — we can still shake hands with.
