Retta M. Stokes

Retta ( Floyd) Stokes 94, of Flemington died February 21, 2008 in Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar. She was born Oct. 15, 1913, near Pittsburg, MO. Retta was the seventh of 11 children. Retta went to school at Foxridge and Flemington. She was saved and was a member of the Rondo Baptist Church. Preceding her in death were her husband, Chester; her parents Ed and Elvira Floyd; son, Willard, sisters and brothers; Mary Elizabeth, Leonard, Bill, Nycus, Wrinkle, Noah, Ida Catherine, George and Obie. Survivors include 2 daughters and their husbands, Loretta and Donald Degraffenreid of Green City, MO, Neoma and Dee Stacy of Flemington, MO, step daughter, Wilma Jean Fuller and family of Bolivar, MO; a very special identical twin sister, Gettie Lear, Humansville; 4 grand-daughters and 3 grandsons, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great-greatgrandchild, and lots of nieces and nephews and cousins. On Feb. 17, 1934, Retta married the love of her life, Chester Stokes. Retta and Chester farmed for many years in Hickory County. She had lots of chickens and sold her eggs in 30 dozen cases. Retta always worked hard on the farm helping Chester pick corn and milk cows by hand. She and Chester loved to square dance almost every Saturday night. Retta worked in several area cafes as a cook; she was well known for her apple and raisin pies. In 1964, she started working at Banquet Foods in Marshall, MO. Retta and Chester moved to Marshall to work before moving back to Flemington to retire. Retta took care of Willard, and her parents until their death. Retta always shared the sacrificial love of the Lord with out stretched hands for her family and friends, putting their wants and needs before her own. She had a reputation for opening her home and feeding all who came. After retirement, she stayed busy taking care of her elderly neighbors, and she always made sure they had something to eat on a daily basis. She spent the last 4 years at Northwood Hills care center and shared a room with her twin. She had a gift of making each grand child feel like they were her favorite. She was great among women, a servant of the Lord, and a role model of love. ReUa enjoyed her family and friends, and is truly an inspiration to everyone that knew her. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Sunday, February 24, 2008 at Murray Funeral Home, Humansville, with Rev. Jack Sawyers officiating. Pallbearers will be Martin Crawford, Marvin Crawford, Shannon Pearson, Derek Crawford, Patrick Watkins and Jeff Stacy. Honorary pallbearers will be Stanley Lear, Lionel Lear, Frank Floyd, Fred Floyd, Brandon Pearson and Ben Rogers. Interment will be in Flemington Cemetery. PDF Printable Version

Retta M. Stokes

October 15, 1913 - February 21, 2008