Lois Whitworth
Rosewood Heights |
Lois Virginia Whitworth, 87, in her home, surrounded by her children, passed away from this world to join a heavenly host of friends and loved ones in the next at 5:44 p.m. on June 23, 2016.
Born November 15, 1928 to Neal and Faye Galloway of Unionville, MO, she grew up part of a large farming family. She graduated Missouri Teachers College before meeting Ervin E. Whitworth of Worthington, MO, her husband of 41 years. After the Second World War, they moved to Wood River, where he began building houses and they began building a family. They raised six kids in the home they built together, turning out adventurers, artists, authors, carpenters, conservationists, inventors, musicians, and social workers. Her love and joy of life never ceased; whether you needed a hug, a foot race, a good supper, or well-deserved upbraiding, you got it. She gave all she had to her family, and they were better for it.
A teacher, a librarian, a mother and even a published poet, hers was a life with no wasted motion. She was a rock solid member of the First Baptist Church of Wood River, with all her most cherished friendships born of those good bonds.. Her faith was of the kind that could inspire others to walk past doubt and allow her to walk straight through trying times, untouched by fear. Every good decision and every mistake she ever made was made for love.
Lois is survived by her children, Jim Whitworth, Jaye Whitworth (Mark Hamlin), Jean Whitworth Pajka (Stan Pajka), and Joe Whitworth (Liz Whitworth), as well as her beloved grandchildren, Jodie, Neal, Natalie, Joe, Claire, Ellie, Anna, and Henry; brother Cork Galloway; sister, Jean Whitworth.
She was preceded in by her husband, Ervin; son Jeff; daughter, Jenny; brothers, Frank and Freal Galloway; sisters, Wilma Likes and Betty Hodges; friend and late-life husband, Marvin.
Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Marks Mortuary in Wood River, where services will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. Monday. Pastor Rob Kirbach will officiate.
Burial will be in Pleasant Home Cemetery near Worthington, MO.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Wood River
Mark's Mortuary
