Missouri, U.S., Marriage Records, 1805-2002
Bonnie Lavon Varner, 64
Mar 9, 2006
Bonnie Lavon Varner, daughter of Clarence and Leslie Rose Pollard Cotton, was born March 27, 1941, in Douglas County, Missouri.
She departed this life Friday, March 3, 2006, in her home in Ava, at the age of 64 years.
In 1957, she was united in marriage to Calvin Spencer, and to this union, one daughter and two sons were born.
She was married to Russell Foster and to this union, one daughter was born.
Later in her life she was united in marriage to Douglas Varner.
Her parents, two sisters, Velda Liles, and an infant preceded her in death.
Bonnie is survived by two daughters, Stacey Flerl, of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Teresa Allen, of Ava; two sons, John Spencer, of Cookeville, Tenn., and Ralph Spencer, of Rossville, Georgia; a number of grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley Collier, of Las Vegas, Nev., and Judy Alexander, of Fresno, Calif.; several nieces and nephews; a very dear friend, Junior Lansdown; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in Douglas County, Missouri, and graduated from high school. After she and Calvin were married, they made their home in Springfield for several years before moving to Peoria, Ill. Then in 1982, the family moved to Chattanooga, Tenn., where Bonnie made her home until moving to Ava in 2004. Throughout the years, Bonnie was a devoted homemaker and a loving mother to her family.
In her spare time, she enjoyed collecting antiques. Her family was very important to her and she especially enjoyed being with her grandchildren.
Bonnie was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will cherish the wonderful memories she created for her family and friends.
Services were held Monday, March 6, at Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Mansfield, with burial at the Mt. Tabor Cemetery.
Lorene Heinlein, 77
Mar 9, 2006
Hazel Lorene Heinlein, daughter of Emmett Horner and Virginia (Adams) Horner, was born Sept. 4, 1928, at Crossroads, Mo., in Douglas County, and departed this life March 7, 2006, at the age of 77.
Lorene was a lifelong resident of the Ava area.
On July 3, 1956, Lorene and J.G. Heinlein were united in marriage in Springfield, by the Rev. Bill Spindler.
Lorene was employed as secretary with the University of Missouri Extension for 52 years. She enjoyed her extension work and tested soil for several years. Lorene enjoyed helping people and always wanted to help anyone in need. She loved to travel and had fun working the Douglas County Fair.
Lorene was a member of the Ava General Baptist Church for many years and was a member of the Rebekah Lodge in Ava and Springfield.
Lorene was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Joseph Andrew Heinlein.
She is survived by her husband, J.G., of the home, Ava; one son, Mike L. Heinlein, Springfield; one granddaughter, Jessica Necole Heinlein, Springfield; and a host of relatives and friends.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home with the Rev. Oren Alcorn officiating.
Interment will be in the Ava Cemetery.
Visitation will be today (Thursday) from 6 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home.
Newt E. Porter, 75
Mar 9, 2006
Newt E. Porter, son of Charley Elmer Porter and Mary Elizabeth Plumb Porter, was born on Nov. 18, 1930, in Girdner, Mo., and departed this life on March 7, 2006, in Springfield, at the age of 75 years.
Newt was born and raised in the Girdner community. He moved to this area in 1984 from Independence, where he worked with Armco Steel Co. for 30 years.
On Dec. 25, 1955, Newt and Naomi Purtle were united in marriage in Ava, and to this union, six children were born.
He served his country during the Korean War with the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Newt loved his motorcyles, hunting and fishing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Lewis, Elmer and Pat Porter, and one sister, Effie Potter.
His survivors include his wife, Naomi of the home; six children and their spouses, Audrey and Norman Pierson, Squires, Barbara Bolding, Waldo, Fla., Charlene and Randy Vermillion, Independence, Dale E. and Denise Porter, Buckner, Zachary Porter and Charley E. and Sonja Porter, all of Independence; 15 Grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters and their spouses, Bessie and Dempsey Brown, Santa Barbara, Calif., Wilma and Eldon Brooks and Alice and Paul Welch, all of Ava; two brothers, Herbert Porter and Cap and Sue Porter, all of Ava; and a host of relatives and friends.
Services are Saturday, March 11 at 10 a.m. at the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, with the Rev. Paul Welch officiating.
Interment will be in the Murray Cemetery, with military rites by Ava VFW Post 5993 and Douglas County American Legion Post 112.
Visitation is Friday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family requests memorials to Asberger Autism Foundation or Murray Cemetery.
Carrie Osburn Sellers, 95
Mar 9, 2006
Carrie Osburn Sellers was born on Sept. 18, 1910, in the Smallett, community, the daughter of James and Ada Andrews Osburn and sister to Thelma Osburn Haden. Due to the early death of her parents, she was lovingly raised by her Uncle Clarence and Aunt Mirtie Turner Osburn. She became a sister to their son, Austin.
Carrie received her early education at Walnut Grove School and attended Ava High School and lived with the Reynolds family.
She met and fell in love with Raymond Sellers and they were married on Oct. 10, 193l, and spent almost 70 wonderful years together on their farm in the Smallett area. Three children became the lucky benefactors of this union: Bill and his wife, Ruth; LaVern and her husband, Ike Ashby; and Jerry and his wife, Karen.
Carrie was proud and thrilled with her 10 grandchildren, her 30 great-grandchildren and her one great-great-grandchild.
Her grandchildren are Gayle Wubbolding and David, Kris Norman and LeeAnn, Philip Norman and Linda, Kara Beth Crowell and Ron, Dr. Randall Sellers and Sandy, David Sellers and Marty, Leslie McCarthy and Ron, Laura Brinkman and Steve, Lisa Stinson and Ed, Eric Sellers and Becky. Three step-grandchildren are David Johnson, Kevin Johnson, and Kerri Berumen, She is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Sue Lester, and some very special nieces and nephews: Katherine Haden, Darrell Haden, Loren Haden, Venita Haden Day, Nelson Sellers, Gary Sellers, Bob Sellers, Pamela Sellers Erjavec, Patsy Johnson Stuck, Jan Turner Shepard, Bob Turner and Sue Osburn Landsdown.
Carrie loved to be in charge and was very active with the Walnut Grove Cemetery Assoc., the annual school reunion and the annual Haden, Sellers and Kay family reunion. God so blessed her that at the age of 95, she was still living life at 100 miles per hour, living alone, gardening, growing flowers everywhere, playing cards with her much younger friends and playing the piano for her great-great-grandchildren. She was still kicking the soccer ball while wearing her dress and pearls.
Carrie has always been very active in the General Baptist Church and gave her life to Christ at a very early age. She was loved and admired by a multitude of friends. She turned loose of our hand on March 7, 2006 and grasped the hands of God and her husband, Raymond.
Services are Saturday, March 11, at 2 p.m. at the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, with the Revs. Oren Alcorn and Tom Johnson officiating.
Interment will follow in the Ava Cemetery.
Visitation is Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.
Family requests memorials to the Walnut Grove Cemetery Association.
Gara Newell Loftin, 89
Mar 9, 2006
Gara Newell Loftin, the daughter of Marion William Graham and Elpha (Exline) Graham, was born Aug. 19, 1916, in Douglas County, and departed this life Feb. 28, 2006, at the age of 89.
Gara Newell Graham and Albert Russell Loftin were united in marriage on Dec. 24, 1936.
Albert and Gara farmed in the Sweden community from their marriage until 1967, when they moved to the current home place a few miles east of Ava.
Gara continued to maintain her home there until her death. She was devoted to her family, spending the last two years with her daughters, Shirley Elaine Kirby and Earlene Chamberlain, as they battled terminal illnesses. Since October 2005, Gara spent time with daughters, Ineta Gann and Darlene Jenkins. Most recently, Gara enjoyed her time with Ineta in El Dorado Springs, where she was cared for with love and devotion as her health gradually declined.
Gara was a homemaker and was employed in the Ava School District as a cook for many years. She loved gardening, cooking, quilting, and embroidery needlework. Gara maintained close connections with family and friends, spending countless hours on the phone reminiscing about the good times of their lives, celebrating their joys and triumphs, and loving them through the difficulties of life.
For many years, Gara was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church, where Albert served as a deacon. In later years, she enjoyed attending Star Chapel when her health permitted. Gara's steadfast faith in Jesus Christ provided hope and confidence of Eternal Life.
Gara was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, her husband, Albert, two infant sons and two daughters, Shirley Elaine Kirby and Earlene Chamberlain.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ineta Gann, Harwood, Mo., and Mrs. Darlene Jenkins and husband, David, Wildwood, Mo.; 16 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 23 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, with the Rev. Marvin Loftin officiating.
Interment followed in the Loftin Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Loftin Cemetery.
Kenneth E. McSwain, 95
Mar 16, 2006
Kenneth Esta McSwain of Pocahontas, Ark. and formerly of Hagerstown, Md., passed away March 11, 2006 at a Pocahontas Nursing Home and Rehab Center.
He was born June 23, 1910.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John T. and Lillie Lawson McSwain; a brother, Glennard McSwain, and an infant brother.
He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of 66 years, Eeva (Alvis) McSwain; two daughters, Jean Madden of Little Rock, Ark., and Jan Brawner of Pocahontas, Ark.; one brother, Kerman McSwain, of Seymour; three granddaughters; two grandsons; and six great-grandchildren.
Mr. McSwain was noted for his abilities as a carpenter, mechanic and was well rounded at many tasks. He worked for Craig Paving for 38 years making blacktop.
He will long be remembered by his many friends as an avid gardener, his helpful attitude and is love for his family and church.
He was a member of the Church of God Universal in Hagerstown, Md.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m. today (Thursday, March 16) at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home Ava, with visitation from 2 p.m. until service time.
Officiating is Jason Stamper and burial will be at Thornfield Cemetery.
William Eugene “Bill” Pennington, 69
Mar 16, 2006
Funeral services for William Eugene “Bill” Pennington, Ava, formerly of Hollister, were held Monday, March 13, at the Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home, Branson.
Rev. Floyd “Bud” Arnold officiated with burial following in the Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson. Mr. Pennington passed away Friday, March 10, at his home in Ava.
William was born on Sept. 9, 1936, in Pontiac, Ill. He was the son of Harold W. and Zola Mae (McWhorter) Pennington.
He graduated from the Paxton High School in Paxton, Ill. He married Wilma D. Clagg on Feb. 15, 1957, in Newton, Ill., and they were blessed with seven children.
Bill worked as a typesetter for a publishing company and for the Norge Manufacturing Co., in Effingham, Ill. He moved to the Taney County area in 1964 to enjoy a quieter lifestyle. Bill worked at the College of the Ozarks in the printing department and then at Silver Dollar City where he worked as an electrician until he retired. He and Wilma moved to Ava about five months ago to be closer to a son.
Bill was a Ham radio enthusiast. He was the Taney County Emergency Coordinator for the Ham radio organizations. He was a member of the Tri-Lakes Ham Radio Club and the Kimberling City Ham Radio Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Zola Pennington.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Wilma, of the home; and his seven children and their spouses: Tammy and Claire Fisk, of Huntsville, Ark., Karen and Tommy Smith, of Rockaway Beach, Karol and Danny Hoover, Ridgedale, Teresa and Larry Bayless, Farmington, Harold and Terry Pennington, Wichita, Kan., Howard and Susie Pennington, Ava, Major Allen and Sabina Pennington, Fairview Heights, Ill.; one brother and his wife, Clint and Donna Pennington, of Joplin; two sisters and their husbands, Coralie and B.J. Bellinghausen, of Reeds Spring; Sandi and Tom Heilman, Warren, Ark.; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Community Hospices of America Foundation, Springfield.
Vera Stark, 75
Mar 16, 2006
Vera Stark, daughter of Lon Hollingshad and Mae (Summers) Hollingshad, was born Aug. 22, 1930, in West Plains, and departed this life March 10, 2006, in St. Francis, Kan., at the age of 75.
Vera moved to Wichita, Kan., at an early age where she was of the Catholic faith and worked as a waitress.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lon and Mae Hollingshad; two brothers, Virgil Hollingshad and Noel Hollingshad; and two sisters, Louise Hollingshad Redburn and Opal Carte.
Survivors include one brother, Joseph E. Hollingshad, of Dora; and one sister, Ruth Rickard, of West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, at Howell Valley Cemetery, West Plains, with David Shipley officiating.
Services were under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home of Ava.
Chesley Eugene Tennis, 51
Mar 16, 2006
Chesley Eugene Tennis, 51, of Protem, died March 13, 2006, at his residence.
He was born April 19, 1954 in Branson, the son of Leslie E. and Edith (Hunter) Tennis.
Chesley drove a concrete truck. He loved the outdoors and riding his Harley.
Survivors include, father, Leslie Tennis, of Protem; paternal grandmother, Chloe Tennis, of Protem; son, Steven Forrest Tennis, of Kansas; sister, Brenda Lewis, of Sandy, Utah; aunts, uncles and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Chesley was preceded in death by his mother, Edith Tennis; paternal grandfather, Elbern Tennis; maternal grandparents, Oscar and Willis (Drake) Hunter.
Graveside services will be Friday, March 17, at 11 a.m. at Selmore Cemetery, Selmore, Mo.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 16, from 6-8 p.m. at the Forsyth Whelchel Chapel.
Memorials may be made to Community Hospice, 1465 E. Primrose, Ste. A, Springfield, MO 65804.
Candy Diane Willhite, 33
Mar 9, 2006
Candy Diane Willhite, daughter of Jerry Wayne Ridenour and Betty June (Teal) Ridenour, was born on March 19, 1972, in St. Louis, and passed away on March 1, 2006 in Mansfield, MO, at the age of 33.
Diane was a resident of Mansfield for three years moving from Ava, where she was raised. She was a housewife.
On June 20, 2004, Diane and Terry Dean Willhite were united in marriage in Mtn. Grove.
Diane was a member of the Ava Church of Christ.
She loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs, making crafts, sewing, fishing, hunting and caring for many children.
Her survivors include her husband, Terry Willhite of Ava; two children, Jordan Lee Green, Republic, and Shannon Chelsea Richards, Billings, Mont.; her parents, Jerry and Betty Ridenour, Ava; three sisters and their spouses, Susan and David Davis, Ava, and Laura and Gary Edelen and Cindy and Daniel Rodgers all of Marshfield;16 nephews and nieces, Dustie, Douglas, Brett, Parker, Donnivan, Dessiree, Appleasia, Nikolous, Derrick, Katharine, Tyler, D.J., Dylan, Joshua, Hunter and Emma; a special friend, Charlie; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services were held Saturday, March 4, at 4 p.m. at the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, with Joe Corum and Brad Smith officiating.
Visitation was Friday from 6 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home.
