Frances Lorene "Lori" Bidwell

​Frances 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.
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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.