Myrtle Clintsmith

Myrtle Mae Clinesmith, 90, of Springfield, Missouri, formerly of Centerville, Kansas, died July 7, 2008 in Springfield. She was born February 20, 1918 in Wellman, Iowa, the daughter of John W. and Grace E. Bassett Henn. She married Wayne A. Clinesmith on October 22, 1952 in California. She was a 1935 graduate of Montrose High School in Montrose, Iowa and attended college at Iowa Wesleyan College where she earned a teaching certificate. After teaching, she moved to California to care for an elderly uncle and to work for Bueller Tank Company. After her marriage, she lived in Centerville, Kansas where she raised her children and worked at the Garnett sewing factory and at the Centerville elevator. Myrtle was a faithful member of the Methodist Church in Montrose, Iowa in her youth and in Centerville, Kansas after her marriage. She taught and directed the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School programs at the church. She was also an active member in the Methodist Church Women, Grange, the Women's Auxiliary, the Centerville PTA and the Centerville congregate meal site. After Wayne's death on June 24, 1991, she moved to Nixa, Missouri to be near her daughter where she was active in the church and Senior Center. She enjoyed cooking, quilting, sewing, working crossword puzzles and above all, she loved to be with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, one brother, Lloyd Henn, and one sister and brother-in-law, Vera Whitmore and Robert. Survivors include two sons; Richard Clinesmith & wife, Jannet of Lake View, Iowa and John Clinesmith & wife, Karen of Healdton, Oklahoma; one daughter, Joyce Miller & husband, Bill of Springfield, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Graveside services will be held at 11:30 AM, Saturday, July 12, 2008 at the Centerville Cemetery, Centerville, Kansas. Contributions are suggested to the Myrtle Clinesmith Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.coffelschneider.com Arrangements: Coffel-Schneider Funeral Home, Mound City, Kansas.