Crabtree, Mrs. Ira Jr.  (Hill, Mary Lea)
DEATH OF MARY LEA CRABTREE RULED A SUICIDE
   Mrs. Ira Crabtree Jr. died at her home on Lake Road 5-25 , Gravois Mills Missouri on Friday April 28, 1972, from a self inflicted gunshot wound, according to a statement by the Camden county coroner, Dr. David B. Holley M.D.  Mrs. Crabtree's body was found by her husband in the bathroom of the home.  Sheriff Tom Edwards of Camdenton said she had been shot in the mouth with a .22 revolver.  she was alone in the home at the time, Edwards said.  The body was taken to a hospital in Springfield were an autopsy was performed.  An inquest, scheduled for Tuesday was canceled.  Mrs. Crabtree was born at Gravois Mills on November 6, 1939, the daughter of Thomas W. and Thelma Avery Hill. She was united in marriage with Herman Witthar, who preceded her in death.  On August 5, 1961 she was married to Ira Crabtree Jr. who survives at the home.  Also surviving are a daughter: Rebecca Ann Witthar of the home; a step-son: Rodney Crabtree of Sunrise Beach; her parents of Gravois Mills; a brother John F. Hill of Gravois Mills; 5 sisters: Mrs. Kay King of Laurie, Mrs. Della Beth Anderson , Mrs. Ilene Anderson and Mrs. Jo Ann Williams of Gravois Mills and Mrs. Barbara Jean Wilkens of Sedalia
   Funeral services at Ozark Methodist Chapel at Laurie with Rev. Milton Borg Officiating.  Hymns by Mrs. Joe Walters and Mrs. Don Terry accompanied by Mrs. Walters at the organ.  Nephews of Mrs. Crabtree served as pallbearers. Interment at Ozark Chapel cemetery. Under the direction of Kidwell Garber Funeral Home.