Ailene Lemons (Hartville)'s Obituary
Ailene Doris Lemons, daughter of Jesse and Grace (O’Dell) McNealy, was born October 15, 1923 in Hartville, Missouri. She left us on December 15, 2013 very peacefully while staying at the Hartville Care Center at the age of 90 years and 2 months. Ailene was the second of six children. Charlene Austin, the oldest of the McNealy children, also resides at the Hartville Care Center and was with Ailene when she passed.
On May 2, 1943 she was united in marriage to Ivan C. Lemons and to this union one son was born. They made their home on the farm that was homesteaded by the Oliver family in the late 1800’s. They made a living by farming until Ailene went to work for H.D. Lee Factory in Hartville as a seamstress for over 15 years. Living during the Depression Era instilled in her the ability to be self-sufficient and this she passed on to her son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband of forty-five years, Ivan Lemons; her daughter-in-law Joan Lemons; her grandsons Marty and Mark Lemons; her parents; her siblings Lorene Plaster, Imogene Henslee, Dennis and Ray McNealy; and a step-grandson Leonard Jiles.
Ailene is survived by her sister Charlene Austin; her son Jim Lemons and wife Shiela; granddaughter Mona Goslee and husband Steve; grandson Matt Lemons and Pam all of Hartville, Missouri; her step-grandchildren, Jim, Josh, Gene and Margaret; 7 great-grandchildren, Jake, Katie, Grace, Carley and Luke Goslee and Andrew and Ashley Lemons, several step-great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other dear family and friends.
Her profession of faith in Christ was made at an early age and she lived her faith by caring for her family, friends and neighbors. Her greatest pleasure came from spending time with her grandchildren and welcoming her great-grandchildren. We do believe that keeping up with them kept her going all these years. “Grandma Great”, as we all called her, has a special place in our hearts because no matter what anyone else thought- Her great-grandkids could do no wrong.
Life sometimes brings trials our way, but Grandma Great kept her faith and loved her family. She leaves behind memories of laughter, a legacy of independence and a little bit of orneriness in all of us. We celebrate her life and accomplishments and will cherish the memories she created for us. We were blessed to have Ailene Lemons as a mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
Memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society may be made through Holman-Howe Funeral Home, PO Box 236, Hartville, Mo. 65667
Friends may call at their convenience
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