Leota Alleen Barham

Leota Alleen Barham, age 95, of Bolivar, Missouri, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2011 at Citizen's Memorial Healthcare Facility in Bolivar. Leota was born November 1, 1915 to George Elvis Pritchard and Olive Iris (Lindsay) Pritchard. Leota graduated from Emma D. High School in Goodson in 1932. Leota was saved as a young girl while walking home from school. She was baptised and joined Spring Valley Church in November of 1933. In November 1944 she moved her membership to Pleasant View Baptist Church remaining a faithful member until her health declined and she could not attend services. She married Forrest Clark Barham on October 28, 1934 who preceded her in death in 1980. The first years of their marriage they lived in Coffeeville, KS and came to Camp Crowder, MO before settling in the Halfway area on a small farm located in the Hominy Creek area. Thier next farm was located north of Halfway. Then in December of 1947 they purchased and moved to the current family farm. Leota helped with the milking, farming, and bookkeeping all while keeping house, cooking, sewing, keeping a garden, and canning its yield. She raised chickens both for the eggs, and to dress, and freeze. In 1969 she and Clark had quit milking and were raising beef cattle. That same year they started the John Deere Tractor Dealership in Bolivar with their son Randy and his wife Janice. Leota was the bookkeeper and at 65 years of age learned the double entry type of bookkeeping. A feat many could not learn at a much younger age. She and her family remain proud of her accomplishments. She was preceded in death by her husband Clark, and her son Randy. She is survived by her daughter; Doris Haguewood and her husband Dean of Springfield, Missouri, her daughter-in-law; Janice Barham of Bolivar, 3 grandchildren; Cindy Francka and her husband Bernard of Bolivar, David and his wife Lisa of Halfway, and Tammy King and her husband Jody of Billings, 7 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild, 6 step grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be held on Friday, July 8, 2011 at 11:00am in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Gary Fulbright and Brother Doyle Mayfield officiating. Musical selections will be "Precious Memories" and "Peace In The Valley" sung by David Barham, Mike Rowan, Nathan Hoffer and Alan Roberts. Pallbearers will be Keith Pritchard, Ben Gorden, Kenny Barham, Carl Boone, Doyle Spear, and Deral Vincent. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, in Bolivar, Missouri. A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00am, Friday morning, just prior to service time at the Butler Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church, c/o Butler Funeral Home, 407 E. Broadway, Bolivar, Missouri 65613. Friends and family may sign the guest book or leave private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Leota Alleen Barham

November 1, 1915 - July 2, 2011