Berniece Strutton's Obituary
Lola Berniece Strutton, daughter of Johnny and Bertha Jackson Smittle, was born September 26, 1921, near Morgan, Missouri. She departed this life Tuesday, January 9, 2007, in Christian Healthcare South, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-five years, three months, and thirteen days. On April 5, 1941, she was united in marriage to Harry Gordon Strutton, and to this union two sons were born. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harry, on October 8, 1993; a son, Larry James Strutton; and two sisters, Veda Sanders, and Vera Schulze. Berniece is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Lonnie and Judy Strutton, of Lebanon, Missouri; two granddaughters, Cheri Wilson, and her husband, James, and Lisa Fox, and her husband, Lance, all of Lebanon, Missouri; three great-grandchildren, Jodie and Erika Fox, and Collin Wilson; two sisters, Veula Pendergraft, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Bonnie Mendenhall, of Sequin, Texas; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. She was born and raised in the Morgan community. After she and Harry were married, they made their home in Lebanon and lovingly raised their sons. Besides being a devoted homemaker to her family, Berniece also worked at the Rice Stix Factory for a few years, and then helped her husband at the Sayers Hardware Store. In 1967, she and Harry founded the Mr. Swiss Restaurant in Lebanon, which is now known as Swiss Inn, and she continued to help manage it until retiring in 1974. Berniece was saved and baptized at an early age in the Morgan Baptist Church. After moving into Lebanon, she was active in the Tabernacle Baptist Church for a number of years. She currently was a member of Southern Heights Christian Church. In her spare time she enjoyed cooking, and liked to grow beautiful flowers. Her family was very important to her and she especially enjoyed her granddaughters and great-grandchildren. Berniece was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will cherish the wonderful memories she created for her family and friends. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2007, in the Holman-Howe Chapel, Lebanon. Burial will be in Mount Rose Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 7 - 8:00 p.m. under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri. Memorials to Christian Health Care South may be made through the fuenral home.
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