Nellie Marie Shows, 85, of Sedalia, formerly of Syracuse, died Friday, April 27, 2007, at her daughter’s home, with family by her side.
She was born March 23, 1922 in Red Star, AR, a daughter of A.L. and Bessie Fowler Edwards. On September 26, 1942, Buffalo, MO, she was married to Charles R. Nichols, who died on February 2, 1967, on December 28, 1969, in Arkansas, she was married to Cecil Ravenscraft who died in March of 1979, and on
January 8, 1981 in Syracuse, MO, she then was married to John H. Shows for 25 years, who died on August 18, 2006.
She was a 1942 graduate of Urbana High School. She was a member of the Sedalia Women of theMoose Lodge #1494 and the Rebeccah Lodge of Otterville. She served as an election clerk at New Lebanon precinct for many years. After her retirement, she enjoyed life in the country on her farm where she lived for nearly 50 years. One of her favorite places to visit was her grandmother’s home in Arkansas on Cave Mountain. Her other enjoyments included gardening and canning, sewing and quilting, reading and cooking big dinners for her family, however she most enjoyed spending time with her family and going to dances.
Nellie was supported throughout her long struggle with cancer by her family. Surviving are a daughter, Ardyth Nichols Turner and her husband John of Sedalia; six stepchildren, Cecil Ravenscraft, of Kansas City, Cecelia Ravenscraft Hertel, of Cole Camp, Elaine Ravenscraft Williams, of Otterville, Mary Shows Falkenhagen, of Clermont, FL, Bettie Shows Huntley, of Renton, WA; and Retta Shows Taylor, of
Oak Grove; two sisters, Wilma Simpson, of Turlock, CA, Ines Anderson, of Brandenburg, KY; three brothers, Albert Edwards, of Sedalia, Troy Edwards, of Montserat, Alvin Edwards, of La Monte; five grandchildren, Gina Foster, Nicole Bremer, Codell “Cody” Turner, June Skutnick, and Ramona Dixon; 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter, nine step-grandchildren, and 19 step-great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by a son, R. Howard Nichols; two brothers, A. Lester Edwards, and A.L. Edwards Jr., and an infant sister, Ardyth Edwards.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at Heckart/Gillespie Colonial Chapel with Rev. Harold Nicks officiating.
Pallbearers will be Codell Turner, Ryan Foster, Ethan Foster, Keaton Foster, Jeff Bremer and Jared Williams.
Burial will be in I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Otterville.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 30, 2007 at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society or to the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Otterville.
