BELLEFONTAINE NEIGHBORS, MO (FOX2now.com) -
A sad end to a long life for a couple from Bellefontaine Neighbors. They died after fire ripped through their home in the 1100 block of Ashford ave.
The couple's 3 daughters say their parents were loving, hardworking, fiercely independent people. The fire is a shock according to the youngest Daughter Debbie Manning.
"They were good parents, and its such a waste. " Her sister Carolyln Coyle agrees. "They were old fashioned, country people, good parents and good environment."
Marie and Casey Wallers were insperable. He was 91 and she was 85. His health was failing. Coyle says, "They loved their home they wanted to stay in their home. They were doing well, and mother was the primary caretaker right now."
The unexplained fire was too much for the elderly couple. Relatives believe Marie Wallers tried to help her ailing husband out of the burning house. Their bodies were found in the kitchen.
Heavy black smoke could be seen from half a mile away according to Riverview Fire Chief Joe Bommarito. "I did advise incoming units we had heavy smoke showing in the area. Then upon my arrival we had heavy fire conditions from the picture window and side window of the home."
Relatives are able to salvage some family photos. They're valuable because this is a close knit family according to daughter Shirley Downs.
"The house was small but everyone was here for Thanksgiving and Christmas. And eating and just where ever you could find a place . It was a big thing that all the grandchildren remember. "
Coyle remembers the the fun they had with their parents at these gatherings. "My father used to have programs on Christmas Eve for us. He would sing and he would do a little skit. He would include mother in it. I think my father thought he should be an entertainer."
Family meant evarything to the Wallers. Now their loving family must find new hope despite their tragic loss. The Wallers had six children, 11 grandchildren and 9 great grand children. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
"They were good parents, and its such a waste. " Her sister Carolyln Coyle agrees. "They were old fashioned, country people, good parents and good environment."
Marie and Casey Wallers were insperable. He was 91 and she was 85. His health was failing. Coyle says, "They loved their home they wanted to stay in their home. They were doing well, and mother was the primary caretaker right now."
The unexplained fire was too much for the elderly couple. Relatives believe Marie Wallers tried to help her ailing husband out of the burning house. Their bodies were found in the kitchen.
Heavy black smoke could be seen from half a mile away according to Riverview Fire Chief Joe Bommarito. "I did advise incoming units we had heavy smoke showing in the area. Then upon my arrival we had heavy fire conditions from the picture window and side window of the home."
Relatives are able to salvage some family photos. They're valuable because this is a close knit family according to daughter Shirley Downs.
"The house was small but everyone was here for Thanksgiving and Christmas. And eating and just where ever you could find a place . It was a big thing that all the grandchildren remember. "
Coyle remembers the the fun they had with their parents at these gatherings. "My father used to have programs on Christmas Eve for us. He would sing and he would do a little skit. He would include mother in it. I think my father thought he should be an entertainer."
Family meant evarything to the Wallers. Now their loving family must find new hope despite their tragic loss. The Wallers had six children, 11 grandchildren and 9 great grand children. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
