<![CDATA[Ava Family Funeral Home

<![CDATA[Ava Family Funeral Home - Obituary]]>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 23:45:51 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Stella Louise King]]>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:32:15 GMThttp://www.avafamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/stella-louise-kingThe family of Stella Louise King, age 74, is deeply saddened to announce her passing on May 30th, 2026, but would like to formally invite you to come and honor her memory at a Celebration of Life gathering in memory of Stella Louise King (L’il Mama) on Friday, June 5th, 2026, at 2:00 PM graveside at Evans Church Cemetery in Douglas County located on the corner of Hwy C and Hwy 14.

Stella was born on April 7th, 1952 in Greenville, Kentucky to parents Clifton and Gladys (Vincent) Blake. She lived a full and remarkable life filled with love, humor, and a deep appreciation for her family and closest friends.

Stella was known for her faith, generous spirit, and sacrifice for her family. She was a devoted Christian who became an ordained minister and spent her time praying for the lost and less fortunate. She was called into street ministry and found herself befriending those that others were afraid to speak to. Stella led many people to the Lord during her lifetime and continued to pray for everyone her entire life. She was a very generous soul to everyone that she loved. If she had two of something and you needed it, she would give it. If she didn’t have it, and she could finance it, she did that too. If she had nothing to give at all, she gave her time and prayers to support you the best way she knew how. She never wanted a person to feel left out or alone. She always wanted you to know that she cared.

Stella was always deeply family oriented. She prided herself on family and she missed them when she didn’t get to see them. Even through divorce and the death of her husband, she still maintained close contact with extended family until her death. Despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s type dementia in 2022 with short term memory lasting around 20 seconds on her worst days, she was always thinking about her family and asking about their well-being. She always wanted to make sure that everyone knew how much she loved them until the end. What a treasure it was to be thought about and loved every 20 seconds of the day. One might call that a love without ceasing.

Stella worked at Del Monte in Rochelle, Illinois most of her life until it was bought out by Silgan Containers. She eventually moved to Missouri with her husband where she lived off Hwy C until her health declined. She also worked as a janitor at Skyline R-2 school. She loved living in Missouri and being surrounded by the beauty of the woods. She most enjoyed sitting on her front porch surrounded by her flowerbeds and watching the hummingbirds during the day or listening for whippoorwills at night. She also loved long drives on back roads looking for deer and turkey. Of course, she would always make us stop for a Casey’s donut, Krispy Kreme lemon donut, or an ice cream with a Diet Coke. Those were her favorite treats. Everyone who ever knew her, left with a story to share. Such a memorable person she was...a true blessing.

She was preceded in death by two husbands, Gilbert D. Marler of Williamsville, Missouri and Michael E. King of Norwood, Missouri; her son Donald Eugene Marler (stillborn); and her father and mother Clifton and Gladys Blake of Rochelle, Illinois. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws and other relatives.

Stella King will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her children Raquel Cumby and son-in-law James Cumby of Conroe, Texas and Kimberly Etheridge of Brookhaven, Mississippi; grandchildren Brailynn Cumby (Conroe, Texas) and Trisha Etheridge (Brookhaven, Mississippi); sisters Judy Thomas, and Debra Feldman, and brother-in-law Roger Feldman all of Rochelle, Illinois; and an extended family of loved ones across multiple states.

At the Celebration of Life gathering in honor of Stella Louise King (L’il Mama) close friend, Pastor Donnie Lunn and his wife Misty Lunn will be officiating the service with a biblical passage and life eulogy followed by a song tribute featuring Stella’s favorite hymn Amazing Grace. The family will also be sharing a few stories to honor her legacy.

The family requests that attendees wear anything that is comfortable to honor the simple life that Stella lived. She always said that we should just dig a hole and throw her in a pine box because she wasn’t there anyway. She believed that she was going to rest with the Lord and join her loved ones there by sitting on a cloud and waiting for us. Therefore, at her request, we should keep a close watch on the clouds, remember her life, and celebrate her memories instead of grieving for her graveside.

The family asks that flower donations be made to the Ava Family Funeral Home in Ava, Missouri. Cash donations can be made to James or Raquel Cumby. The family also requests that attendees bring some Casey’s donuts/lemon donuts and Diet Cokes to share and pass after the service as a tribute to her memory.

]]><![CDATA[Stella Louis King]]>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:30:24 GMThttp://www.avafamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/stella-louis-kingThe family of Stella Louise King, age 74, is deeply saddened to announce her passing on May 30th, 2026, but would like to formally invite you to come and honor her memory at a Celebration of Life gathering in memory of Stella Louise King (L’il Mama) on Friday, June 5th, 2026, at 2:00 PM graveside at Evans Church Cemetery in Douglas County located on the corner of Hwy C and Hwy 14.

A full obituary will follow.

]]><![CDATA[Nola Markum]]>Sun, 10 May 2026 01:04:38 GMThttp://www.avafamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/nola-markumNola Markum departed this life on May 4, 2026, at Willow Care in Willow Springs, Missouri. She was born on October 6, 1956, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Cledyth and Margaret (Baker) Markum. Nola was the sixth of seven children.

Nola loved music. She taught herself to play the guitar by ear and became both a singer and a songwriter. Growing up, she enjoyed family camping trips, and around the campfire she would play her guitar and sing—often drawing nearby campers to listen. Her heart was full of love, and you could hear it in every note she sang and every strum of her guitar.

Throughout her life, Nola worked in many occupations, from construction to dental hygiene. She was never afraid of hard work and approached every job with determination.

Nola was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at the age of five. Although it shortened her life and challenged her many times, diabetes never kept her down.

She is preceded in death by her parents and four brothers.

Nola leaves behind her oldest brother and her younger sister, as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews, great‑nieces, and great‑nephews. She also leaves behind many friends who will miss her dearly.

No services are planned at this time.

]]><![CDATA[Virginia "Ginny" Lyon]]>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:55:13 GMThttp://www.avafamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/virginia-ginny-lyonVirginia R. (Lowman) Lyon, better known as “Ginny,” was born March 13, 1935, in Elgin, Illinois, the eldest of Donald and Josephine Lowman’s children. She grew up in Elgin, graduated from Elgin High School, and spent two years in community college before beginning the greatest education of all—life, family, and service.

Ginny married her longtime sweetheart, Thomas J. Lyon, on Christmas Eve in 1956. It was a fitting start to a marriage marked by devotion, faith, and more than a little adventure. The couple followed the Navy wherever it led during Tom’s 22½‑year career, and Ginny turned every duty station into a home.

Raising four children—often while Tom was deployed—Ginny proved herself resourceful, resilient, and unshakably loving. She did it without a car, without a washing machine, and without complaint. Tough doesn’t quite cover it.

Her heart for children found a natural home in Girl Scouting, where she spent over 60 years as a leader and trainer in numerous councils. She also served as Religious Education Director at several Navy chapels. As her own children grew, family life expanded to include hiking boots, camping gear, and plenty of outdoor memories. One of Ginny’s favorite chapters was the more than two years spent in Yokosuka, Japan, a time she remembered fondly for its beauty, culture, and adventure.

Ginny had a talent for filling every spare moment. If she wasn’t gardening, crocheting, knitting, baking, or making cards, she was probably watching football—or helping someone who needed it. After Tom’s death, Ginny moved from their farm to Ava, Missouri, where she lived for 30 years before relocating to Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

Virginia passed into the arms of her Savior on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Baptist Health Hospital in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, at 91 years of age. She is survived by three of her four children: (Mrs. Bill) Kathleen Miles, (Mrs. James) Deborah Pope, and Mr. Stephan Lyon and his wife Deborah; along with 10 grandchildren and 15 great‑grandchildren who were dearly loved.

She was preceded in death by her husband Tom; her parents Don and Jo; a sister, Barb Marty; a brother, David Lowman; her in‑laws, Lenora and Tom; a daughter, Christina Heotis; and a grandson, Joshua Pope.

Funeral services will be held on April 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM, being held at Destination Church, Ava, Missouri. Burial will follow in the Springfield Veterans Cemetery.

Kentucky arrangements under the care of Brown Funeral Home. Missouri arrangements under the care of Ava Family Funeral Home.

]]><![CDATA[Carol Davis]]>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 19:29:44 GMThttp://www.avafamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/carol-davisCarol Davis, 87, passed from this life on February 13, 2026, in West Plains, Missouri. She was born on October 5, 1938, in Columbus, Ohio, to Frank Joseph and Mary Bell (Baker) Magruder.

While still in school, Carol caught the eye of LeRoy Davis. On June 30, 1956, they were united in marriage and shared 62 years together before LeRoy’s passing in 2018. Carol supported LeRoy in all things—from his music to working many years as a secretary for his heating and air conditioning businesses. To this union, three sons were born.

Carol loved animals, especially horses. She had a close connection to her horse “Billy” when she was younger, and even as she faced many health challenges later in life, she often told her family that if she were able, she would still be on horseback. Her love of animals extended far beyond horses; from peacocks to chickens to cats, all were welcomed and loved by Carol.

She also loved the outdoors and spent many hours mushroom hunting every spring. Although Carol was tough as nails, she loved everyone and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Carol is preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy, and her parents.

She will be deeply missed by her sons: Lee and Tina of Norwood, Missouri, Joe and Mary Lou of Lucedale, Mississippi, Troy and Marie of Drury, Missouri. She is also survived by her grandchildren—Ariana, Joeseph, Adam, Derek, and Matthew—and her great‑grandchildren—Autumn, Wynter, Mayson, Blaire, Ryker, and Dakota. Many other family members and friends will miss Carol in their lives.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Cemetery in Drury, Missouri.

]]><![CDATA[Frances Lorene "Lori" Bidwell]]>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:13:43 GMThttp://www.avafamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/frances-lorene-lori-bidwellFrances Lorene “Lori” Bidwell entered her eternal rest on February 9, 2026, at her home near Ava, Missouri, with her loving husband by her side. She was born on September 26, 1942, in Mountain Grove, Missouri, to Frances and Effie (Barnett) Mayfield.

On May 22, 1960, Lori was united in marriage to Merle Bidwell. To this union, three children were born. Lori was a devoted and loving wife, spending 65 years faithfully supporting Merle throughout their life together.
Lori was an avid reader. Even after losing her sight at an early age, she spent countless hours listening to books, continuing her lifelong love of learning. She was a considerate, compassionate, and devoted wife and mother who dedicated her life to being present for anyone who needed her.

Lori was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Ronnie Mayfield, Donnie Mayfield, Mary Baney, and Randy Mayfield.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband, Merle. She will also be deeply missed by her daughter, Cynthia, and her sons, Gary and Jeffrey. Lori leaves behind six grandchildren and three great‑grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Anna Seim, Betty Grubbs, Deb Hoffschneider, Lonnie Mayfield, and Glinda Kelley, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness.

Funeral services for Lori will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Ava Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery near Mountain Grove.

]]><![CDATA[Frances "Lori" Bidwell]]>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:04:47 GMThttp://www.avafamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/frances-lori-bidwellFrances Lorene “Lori” Bidwell entered her eternal rest on February 9, 2026, at her home near Ava, Missouri. She was born on September 26, 1942, in Mountain Grove, Missouri.

Funeral services for Lori will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Ava Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery near Mountain Grove.

A full obituary will follow

]]><![CDATA[Joseph Smith]]>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:22:01 GMThttp://www.avafamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/joseph-smithThis is the link for the service for Mr. Smith

https://vimeo.com/1161624783?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci]]><![CDATA[Joseph Fredrick Smith]]>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:07:04 GMThttp://www.avafamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/joseph-fredrick-smithTimothy Granger Smith, Candance Smith, and Kimberly Jo Peterson announce with deep sorrow the loss of their beloved father, Joseph Fredrick Smith, who passed away on January 9, 2026. Joseph is now at peace in his heavenly home, reunited with his beloved wife, Mary Sue Roberts Smith.

Joseph was born on January 3, 1935, in Douglas County, Missouri, to Arthur Marion and Minnie Smith. He spent his childhood and young adult years in rural Ava, Missouri, where he worked on the family farm, graduating from Ava High School in 1953. These early years shaped his strong work ethic, love of the land, and deep appreciation for simple, honest living.

He proudly served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1958, serving in Austria and concluding his military career at White Sands, New Mexico. His years of service reflected his sense of duty, discipline, and commitment to country.

Joseph was a man of many talents. He worked throughout his life in a variety of trades, including carpentry and the logging industry, with work taking him throughout the western and midwestern United States. An adventurer at heart, he loved to travel, explore new places, and experience the richness of the world around him.

A gifted musician, Joseph was especially known for his love of bluegrass music, performing in small venues from Missouri to Idaho. Some of his music was recorded by The Country Gentlemen, a testament to his skill and passion. He was also a natural storyteller, scriptorian, and orator, with a gift for teaching and inspiring others through words.

Joseph was a great-grandson of Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He carried this heritage with devotion. In his later years, he immersed himself in his greatest passion—scripture study—often spending hours each day reading, studying, and teaching. He loved the Lord deeply and dedicated much of his final years as a minister, helping others understand the importance of aligning their hearts with the Savior and unity.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Sue Smith. He is survived by his sister Barbara Burgin; children Tim Smith and his wife Suzanne; Candance Smith; Kimberly Jo Peterson and her husband Steve; grandchildren Amber Mounts and her husband Christopher; Scarlett Smith, Bryan Davis and his wife Charlene; Leah Wiegand and her husband Addison; great-grandchildren Miles, London, and Griffin Mounts; and a host of nieces and nephews who were well loved by him.

Funeral services will be held at Ava Family Funeral Home at, 401 N Jefferson Ava, Missouri, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Dobbs Cemetery. There will be a viewing Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 5:00-7:00 PM, also at Ava Family Funeral Home.

]]><![CDATA[Betty L Northup]]>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 19:26:40 GMThttp://www.avafamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/betty-l-northup4761297Betty L Northup, 87, passed from this life on July 25, 2025, at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, with loving family surrounding her. She was born on October 24, 1937, to Raymond and Tracy (Prine) Fletcher.

On August 28, 1966, she was united in marriage to Russell Northup in Horton, Kansas.
Betty spent most of her career working for the state of Kansas, retiring as a Rehabilitation Service Chief. After retiring, Betty became an avid reader. She also loved to be with her friends. Upon meeting Betty, one would quickly discover a couple of things: Betty loved life and was a “pistol”, and Betty loved the KC Royals.

Betty was a member of Lowman United Methodist Church.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Russell and her parents.

She is survived by her daughter, Molly, and grandson, Kale. She also left behind her sister, June Harley, and husband Joe. She will also be missed by her niece and nephews: Jacinda, J.J., and Jonathan. Many other family members and friends will miss Betty in their lives.

A memorial service will be held for Betty on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Lowman United Methodist Church, 4101 SW 15th St, Topeka, Kansas, starting at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow in the Wheaton Congregational Cemetery.

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