Floris Frieze Kifer

Floris Frieze Kifer was born November 2, 1908 to John Harmon Frieze and Lillie Dinwiddie Frieze at the national geological point where Turkey Creek flowed into Sac River on a farm East of Bona, MO. Paternal grandparents were Arkley and Armilda McPeak Frieze. Nathan and Kizzie Quarles Dinwiddie were her maternal grandparents. The Harmon Frieze Family lived on a farm two miles east of Bona, MO. Floris and her brother, Lowell Arkley were both born there: Lowell in 1905 and Floris in 1908. They attended McConnell School in Dade County. In 1918, the family moved one mile west of Aldrich, Missouri where Floris and Lowell attended Mt. Bethel School in Polk County. They both graduated from Aldrich High Schools three year term program. Floris went on to Bolivar to finish a fourth year term. She boarded in private homes much like going away to college today because of the limited transportation options of that era. Floris went on to teach. Mt Bethel rural school was Floris first teaching position where she taught in a one room school house. Floris mother Lillie Frieze and two aunts, Bess Frieze and Ella Dinwiddie Welch, were very special women in her life. Floris received Jesus as her Savior during her grade school years. Growing up in Aldrich, she was a member of the Very Sacred Christian church there for several years. Later, living near Bolivar, Missouri, Floris was a member of the Bolivar First Christian Church. At Bolivar High School, Floris met Charles E. Kifer. In 1927 they had the privilege of being the first class to graduate from the new high school facility on W. Madison Street. Charles received the very first diploma granted at the then new high school. On September 11, 1930, Charles and Floris were married by Reverend Simpson in the Bolivar Christian Church. Attending the wedding ceremony, were parents, Lillie and Harmon Frieze; Lloyd and Gertie Kifer; and Loren and Audrey Wollard, who stood up with them. At first, Charles helped his parents with their chicken business, the Kifer Leghorn Farm and hatchery, north of Bolivar off of Highway 13. Later, Charles and Floris settled on a farm southwest of Bolivar raising cattle and mules, which were sold to the US Army. This was before electricity was taken to the rural areas. Charles was instrumental in organizing the bringing of rural electricity, via the newly organized REA, to farms and homes in the rural areas. They lived there together for 62 years. Floris was active in helping with 4-H and extension clubs. She was an excellent cook, gardener and flower grower; and a walking history book of people and places in her life. Charles and Floris had one son, Robert Earl, who married Betty Holt. They blessed the Kifer family with three children: Thane Holt Kifer, Thaila Renee Kifer, and Thora Lynn Kifer. Their spouses are Suzanne Marie Kifer, Douglas P. Pickett, and Brian T. Anderson. Between 1986 and 2001, the Kifers were again blessed with four great grandchildren: Andrew Holt Kifer, Troy Harmon Kifer, Zoe Elizabeth Anderson, and Luke Samuel Anderson. Floris, who lived a long and fruitful life to the age of 102 loved them all and will be sorely missed. When asked what she credited to her longevity, her reply was, I lived with such good people. Floris is survived by her immediate family and two special nieces, Marcella Dines and Florilla Tiona and their families of Butler, MO. A private graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the Bona Cemetery in Bona, Missouri under the care and direction of the Butler Funheral Home of Bolivar, Missouri. No visitation is scheduled. Memorial contributions can be made to the Citizens Memorial Hospice Program, 1500 N. Oakland, Bolivar, MO 65613-9988. Friends and family may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Floris Frieze Kifer

November 2, 1908 - February 26, 2011