Florine Barham

Florine Barham, 87, of Bolivar passed away Saturday, November 17, 2012 at her home. She was born at Dunnegan, Missouri the daughter of Franklin and Lula Mead Hopkins. Florine was a cheerleader for Fair Play High School and Rex Barham played basketball for Halfway High School. She told a friend "that's the man I'm going to marry". They were married April 24, 1943 and to this union was born one daughter, Carolyn. She was saved October 17, 1938 and was a member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she was a true prayer warrior. Florine worked right along with Rex in all their endeavors, but when they became involved with Fox Trot horses she found her true calling. She trained and rode until 2007 when her health no longer permitted her to ride. She still attended many shows and loved to watch her grandson, Vance, train and show. She started a youth club in the Missouri Fox Trot Association and taught many young riders to ride and show their horses. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Ben and Ted Hopkins; and two infant grandsons, Troy Wayne Vahle and Benjamin Rex Vahle. Survivors include her husband Rex of the home; daughter Carolyn Wakefield and her husband Richard; grandsons Vance Vahle, Shannon Vahle and his wife Madison; great-grandchildren Payton and Madelynn Vahle all of Bolivar, and Andrea Andrews of Springfield. She is also survived by step-granddaughters Tammy Herbert and her husband Danny and their children Tony, C.J. and wife Leeanne, and Lacey; Tracy Hillenburg and her husband Tim and their children, Taylor and Ty; one step-great great granddaughter Layla Herbert; sister Jean Quillin of Fair Play and a host of nieces ad nephews Most of her family live in and around Bolivar. Funeral services for Florine Barham will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church near Bolivar officiated by Bro. Doyle Mayfield and Bro. Gary Campbell with burial immediately following at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM Monday, November 19, 2012 at Murray Funeral Home, Bolivar. Online condolences may be submitted to www.murrayfuneralhomes.com. PDF Printable Version

Florine Barham

June 10, 1925 - November 17, 2012