As of Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2023
Cities without a state are in Missouri
Jan. 9, 1926 – Feb. 3, 2024
With humble grace and a spirit that touched all those she encountered, Loretta Fay (Miller) Parker departed this world on Feb. 3, 2024. Born on Jan. 9, 1926, Loretta was a lifelong resident of Carthage and Webb City.
As a florist for over 60 years, Loretta’s life was a beautiful arrangement of service, creativity, and love. She owned Webb City Florist from 1968 to 1992 and also worked at Florette Florist in Carthage for six years. She was an excellent seamstress, teaching sewing to the 4-H children and her Sunday School class. Her love for square dancing took her to national conventions for many years alongside her husband.
Loretta was a devoted wife to Mervin Parker for 69 years. Their enduring love story was the foundation of their family, and it served as a testament to the strength and depth of their commitment. Loretta was the heart of every family gathering, making Thanksgiving and Christmas special occasions for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Loretta is survived by her children, Kenneth (Pam) Parker, Lynnette (Tom) Shelley, and Mark (Ann) Parker; a sister, Jeanette Hill; grandchildren, Karie (Rob) Mullins, Kent (Rachel) Parker, Eric (Jenny) Parker, Chase (Nicole) Shelley, Kelsey (Matt) Dibas, and Kassie (Wrangler) Haws; 13 great-grandchildren; and five step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mervin Parker; her parents, Jacob and Bessie Miller; and her siblings, Lois Reed and Royce Miller.
Funeral services for Loretta will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Simpson Funeral Home, with a visitation beginning at noon. Graveside services will then be held in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Pastor Karensue Hensley. Casket bearers will be Kent Parker, Eric Parker, Chase Shelley, Matt Dibas, Wrangler Haws, Dennis Reed and Chris Reed.
Feb. 1, 1933 – Feb. 2, 2024
Ollie B. Patterson passed away on Feb. 2, 2024, in Ozark at the age of 91. She was born on Feb. 1, 1933, in Stilwell, Okla., to Henry Lee and Donna (Watkins) Green.
Ollie lived a remarkable life and touched the hearts of everyone she encountered, from her beloved family to her cherished friends. Above all else, Ollie’s unwavering faith in Jesus Christ permeated every aspect of her existence; she was a true prayer warrior who loved the Lord with every fiber of her being. From a young age, she embraced Christianity and was baptized. Ollie dedicated herself to the First Baptist Church of Ozark, where her commitment to her faith flourished.
The center of Ollie’s universe were her beloved grandchildren. Each day, she made it a priority to be present in their lives as they grew up. She delighted in cooking for them, reading stories aloud, but most importantly, offering prayers for them and uplifting them with heartfelt supplication. Wednesdays were reserved for hosting memorable family meals while nurturing their creativity and helping with school assignments.
Education played a pivotal role in Ollie’s journey towards making a difference in the world. She earned her undergraduate degree in education from Missouri Southern State University and later achieved a masters degree from Pittsburg State University. In 1974, Ollie embarked on an illustrious teaching career as a kindergarten teacher at Eugene Field Elementary School in Webb City. She was later the princpal at Franklin School and Webster Primary Center before retiring in 1999 as principal of Eugene Field.
Ollie is survived by her sons, Steve Patterson and wife Diann, of Miami, Okla., Dr. Kevin Patterson and wife Sarah, Ozark, and David Patterson and wife Angela, Ozark, ten adoring grandchildren, Micah Patterson and wife Robin, Jessica Rimmer and husband Terry, Leah Rush and husband Scott, Sarah Campbell and husband Ryan, Kaleb Patterson, Keaton Patterson and wife Andrea, Kramer Patterson and wife Beth, Trenton Patterson and wife Ashley, Alyssa Crouse and husband Kerik, and Teagon Patterson; great-grandchildren Luke Patterson, Jillian Patterson, Myles Rimmer, Maris Rimmer, Margot Rimmer; Oliver Rush, Swayden Rush, Bowen Rush, Keller Rush; Edith Campbell, Ellis Campbell, Olive “Ollie” Campbell, Caleb Campbell; Kolby Patterson; Joanna Patterson; McKinley Patterson,Zaylee Patterson,Lakelyn Patterson; Kamber Crouse, and Tatum Crouse; and a sister, Leta O’Neal, of Carthage.
Ollie was preceded in death by her husband, Joe. She also mourned the loss of her daughter, Linda Patterson; a great-grandson, Koa Crouse; her brother, Elwin Green, and sister, Pauline Green.
A funeral service to commemorate Ollie’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Adams Funeral Home in Ozark. The Rev. Steve Patterson will lead the service. Ollie will then be laid to rest in Weaver Cemetery at Ozark.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ozark Building Fund or the Nixa Sheltered Workshop.
The Webb City Sentinel isn’t a newspaper – but it used to be, serving Webb City, Missouri, in print from 1879-2020. This “newspaper” seeks to carry on that tradition as a nonprofit corporation.
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